The United States freight network is one of the largest in the world, consisting of almost 140,000 route miles. It is used to transport various goods and materials for nearly every industry, from mining to fast-moving consumer goods and agriculture. Every year, about 1.7 billion tons of goods are moved across the U.S. by the freight system.

Railcars are used multiple times to carry different types of goods. One railcar can transport food, electrical equipment, or scrap metal. To ensure the safety of the goods being transported and railcars, they must be regularly cleaned and maintained. Railcar cleaning and inspections ensure they are safe and can help prevent accidents and cross-contamination between goods.

Railcar cleaning is the process of inspecting and cleaning railcars to ensure they are safe for use. The railway network in the United States is a vital part of the economy. Railcars transport various essential goods across the U.S., including food, coal, scrap metal, waste materials, sand, and agricultural goods.

During transport, loading, and unloading, residual amounts of the goods may be left behind on the railcar, making the railcar dirty. Leaving behind waste can be dangerous and unsafe when the next load is added to the railcar. Properly cleaning these railcars ensures no waste is left behind, which can keep the next load safe and prevent cross-contamination.

Cleaning also includes railcar inspections to identify the best way to clean the car and highlight any broken, damaged, or dangerous components that may need attention. Every part of a railcar should be inspected and cleaned, including the wheels, doors, floors, and walls.

Railcars are cleaned in various ways depending on what was transported in the carriage. Cleaning can include using specialized chemicals for different types of waste, steaming, scrubbing, and disinfecting. Some railcar cleaning companies also provide cleaning that meets specific religious cleanliness requirements for kosher and halal products.

Keeping railcars clean is important for a few reasons. Here are some of the reasons why railcar cleaning is essential:

How railcars are cleaned depends on a few factors, including what kind of railcar it is and the type of goods transported in the railcar. However, all cleanings include inspections. While different railcar types — such as tank cars, hoppers, pressure cars, box cars, and flat cars — have varying components that need to be checked, inspections are essential before and after cleaning a railcar.

Railcar inspections allow cleaners to know what needs to be cleaned and how to clean it. Inspections should occur before and after a railcar is cleaned.

Here are some of the things inspections cover before cleaning:

Once the initial inspection is complete, cleaning teams gather the required railcar cleaning equipment and create a cleaning plan. There are multiple ways to clean a railcar. Some of the common methods include the following:

Once cleaning is complete, a final inspection ensures the railcar has been cleaned properly. After the inspection, cleaning technicians create a report noting any damaged, missing, loose, or worn parts that may need to be replaced or repaired.

VLS Environmental Solutions is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies into our railcar cleaning services. By leveraging advanced robotic systems and eco-friendly cleaning solutions, we ensure unparalleled precision and efficiency in railcar maintenance. Our commitment to innovation not only enhances the effectiveness of our cleaning processes but also significantly reduces the environmental impact, aligning with our dedication to sustainability. With VLS railcar cleaning facilities, clients can trust in a service that combines the best of modern technology with industry-leading expertise to deliver superior rail car cleaning and maintenance solutions.

The rail industry plays a significant role in the U.S. economy. The railcars that transport essential goods must meet specific standards and requirements. VLS Environmental Solutions has a team of extensively trained cleaning technicians who follow our well-defined cleaning processes to provide high-quality cleaning services. Our team can also perform railcar repairs, maintenance, and tank car qualifications to ensure your railcars are safe and compliant.

Contact us online today to learn more, or call us at 877-861-8588.