Railcar cleaning services that keep fleets moving
Every freight car eventually needs cleaning—whether to prepare for a new load, remove hazardous residue, or keep a fleet compliant with federal standards. The Apache Railway Company provides railcar cleaning services for tank cars, hoppers, gondolas, and more, using safe, proven methods.
Our cleaning crews are trained in HazMat procedures, and our work is tied directly into repair and storage services. For customers, that means one stop in Snowflake can cover cleaning, repairs, qualifications, and storage, saving time and keeping cars in service.
Railcars we clean
Apache provides railcar cleaning services for a range of car types. Whether preparing a car for inspection, repair, or return to service, our crews ensure each car is properly cleared, documented, and ready for its next move.
Cleaning capabilities & methods
Apache provides both interior and exterior railcar cleaning for freight cars, with methods tailored to the commodity and condition of each car. We handle petroleum-based residues, industrial bulk materials, and non-food cargoes. (Apache does not service food-grade cars.)
Our methods include wet and dry cleaning, steam cleaning, hand removal of debris, and media blasting. For tank cars, our services include flaring, residue removal, dig outs, and nitrogen padding. Each approach is chosen to ensure the car is safe, compliant, and prepared for its next load.
HazMat & environmental compliance
Cleaning HazMat cars requires strict control. Apache’s crews are trained in HazMat handling and operate under documented procedures that meet EPA, FRA, and ADEQ standards. Petroleum-based residues are removed and disposed of through licensed third parties, with all manifests and compliance paperwork retained.
Apache is not a hazardous waste generator. Instead, waste streams are documented and passed through certified facilities, ensuring customers have a clear record for audits and regulatory review.
Facility capabilities
Our Snowflake shop’s cleaning operations can be scheduled for individual cars or unit trains, with capacity to handle multiple cars at once.
Cleaning is often paired with repair (including AAR running repairs), qualification, or storage services. Customers can move a car into Apache’s yard for cleaning, inspection, or bad-order repair, and leave with the confidence that all work has been performed under one roof.
Scheduling & turnaround
Most railcar cleaning jobs are scheduled in advance. Typical turnaround depends on the commodity and scope of work. Apache requires that cars to be cleaned be accepted. Once accepted, Apache provides cleaning cost estimates to car owners and lessees, as necessary. Expedited cleaning is available when operational needs demand quick turnaround.
Requests can be made by phone or email. Status updates are provided as needed, and customers receive documentation once cleaning is complete.
Inspection & documentation
Every cleaning service includes documented results. Apache issues cleaning certificates where required and provides customers with reports suitable for compliance review. These records are retained for audits and shared with customers for their files.
Railcar Cleaning Methods
The Apache Railway Company uses multiple cleaning methods depending on car type and service history.
- Wet and dry cleaning
- Steam cleaning
- Hand cleaning
- Media blasting
- Flare service
- Nitrogen padding
All cleaning work is documented for compliance with EPA, FRA, EPA and ADEQ regulations.
Safe, documented railcar cleaning—paired with repair and storage in one location.
Why fleets choose Apache
Railcar cleaning is not available at all rail car shops. Apache offers customers a certified facility in the Southwest, strategically located on the BNSF Transcon in northeast Arizona.
That location gives regional industries and national fleets a convenient stop to clean, repair, qualify, and store cars—all within the same yard. Apache’s flexibility, turnaround, and ability to handle unit trains make us a trusted partner for car owners and car lessees from California to Texas and to the Midwest.
Schedule railcar cleaning services
The Apache Railway Company provides railcar cleaning services backed by compliance, documentation, and integration with repair and storage. From tank cars to hoppers, our crews ensure cars are cleaned, documented, and ready for service.