Freight locomotives are vital to the business world, as they transport goods over many miles. Some governmental agencies are encouraging companies to consider using rail transportation more often, since it is generally more energy efficient and cost effective.

With today's market, consumers are counting every penny, wanting to know how to get products cheaper. Use this to your advantage; find freight locomotives to move your products while providing a reliable and competitive transportation solution. Search through freight locomotives information before you purchase these important pieces of machinery:

1. Locate a reputable freight locomotives provider, and purchase your trains from them.

2. Cut costs, and consider buying rebuilt train locomotive engines.

3. Keep spare train locomotive parts on hand to minimize downtime.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find freight locomotives from reputable manufacturers

Although steam or diesel freight locomotive engines are the most common, many manufacturers are now looking for greener options. One of the more recent developments is the use of hybrid engines, which combine diesel and electricity. These types of engines can save your company millions of dollars in costs per year.

I recommend: GE - Transportation has thousands of locomotives designed and in use all over the world. Consider using its hybrid locomotive engines, which capture the energy used during braking and store it in batteries. Silver Enterprises Associates sells Process Locomotives, which are green locomotives that run on diesel and electric power. Its locomotive engines operate with state-of-the-art technology. You can also inquire about its locomotive upgrades.

Save money, and buy rebuilt train locomotive engines

A rebuilt locomotive engine can save your facility money. There's no rule that states you need to buy a brand-new engine. Talk with your retailer, and find out as much as you can about a rebuilt locomotive's previous workload before you buy.

I recommend: National Railway Equipment Company can help with an engine overhaul or an engine rebuild. Their remanufactured engines cost around 60% less than that of a brand-new engine. Birmingham Rail & Locomotive Company houses an entire locomotive division where you can purchase a rebuilt engine.

Ensure you have spare train locomotive parts available

Freight locomotives transport many railroad cars; oftentimes more than one engine is attached to the front of the train. As a result, it's going to happen: you need a spare part for your locomotive, whether it's for a missing piece or a broken part. Keep plenty of parts around your facility, or better yet, house some on the train itself for emergency situations. You don't want your business to shut down because you ran out of replacement parts.

I recommend: Rail Exchange supplies many locomotive manufacturers with spare parts and has done so for more than 25 years. If you're in need of replacement parts from GE, EMD, ALCO, Baldwin, Westinghouse or Greenburg, check out Indusco and its selection.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If expenses are too high, then consider leasing your freight locomotives. Many locomotive manufacturers and brokers can lease you your trains if you only need them temporarily.