Midwest Railcar Corporation has announced plans to expand its fleet by 2,400 cars, both new and used, by the end of 2012.
The railcar leasing and management services firm has taken delivery of 900 new small-cube covered hoppers, with 900 more expected next year. In addition, the company has acquired 600 used general purpose railcars over the past 6 months
"The railcar market remains very tight on covered hopper capacity, driven mainly by demand for small cube cars carrying frac sand," said Jon Sparks, senior vice president of operations. "We continue to look forward to opportunities in the new car marketplace with deliveries beginning in 2012."
Maryville, Ill.-based Midwest Railcar said the fleet expansion is the most significant acquisition in the company's history.