More Railcar Storage and a New Wash Rack at Freeport Industrial Rail Services

A new wash rack and additional railcar storage are expected to increase productivity and make operations at Freeport Industrial Rail Services more efficient. After breaking ground at the end of 2023, construction was recently completed.

The new state-of-the-art wash rack is located in Plant B, the work area where the team loads polyethylene pellets into railcars. Designed by Watco, the wash rack can wash and dry three railcars at a time and features a water recycling system that recovers, filters, and reuses 90% of previously used water.

It’s the second wash rack on-site. An older wash rack is located three miles away in Plant A. The distance, age, and lack of drying and water-recycling capabilities made it necessary to add a new strategically located wash rack.

Sales Director Caleb Dellasega said, “Polyethylene can be contaminated if exposed to water. Instead of waiting for hoppers to dry on their own, the new wash rack’s dryer will expedite the cleaning process without sacrificing the quality of the product.”

Storage has also been increased by 460 railcar spots at the B5, B9, and B94 rail yards to support the production and railcar cleaning facilities.

Throughout construction, Watco Logistics coordinated the shipment and delivery of all materials. Freeport Industrial Rail Services is located within a chemical facility with strict entry requirements. But the Watco Logistics team identified solutions to meet all challenges.

Senior Director of Project Management Mike McAllister said, “Thanks to Watco Logistics, the delivery of materials went seamlessly. They worked with suppliers, drivers, and contractors to ensure all entry requirements were met and deliveries were made on time.”