Services that help shortline railroads grow.
More carloads, new revenue streams, and capital to grow — from a partner that has acquired and grown shortlines.
Shortlines win by being closer to the customer than anyone else — but growth takes capital, commercial reach, and specialized expertise that lean teams rarely have in-house. Before founding Rail-Industrial Partners, our founder led the acquisitions and integration teams that structured 11 shortline railroad acquisitions and expansions across the United States over 25 years, representing combined revenues in excess of $60 million.
We work alongside shortline owners and managers to add carloads through transloading and industrial development, monetize excess track with railcar storage programs, secure grant and federal funding, and sharpen commercial strategy — and when the time is right, we invest or acquire.
Talk to Our Team25 years of shortline acquisitions, expansions, and value creation.
Experience spans multiple U.S. shortlines and includes acquisitions, expansion capital, operational turnarounds, and divestitures. Specific transactions and names are available on request.
Practical services that move the needle for shortlines.
Transloading Development
We source, design, and develop transloading facilities on your lines — matching commodity demand to your network and connecting you with shippers that need rail-to-truck transfer. One of the fastest paths to new carloads.
Explore transloadingRailcar Storage Programs
Turn underutilized track into recurring revenue. We help you evaluate storage capacity, structure pricing, and connect with railcar owners, lessors, and shippers seeking secure storage.
Explore railcar servicesGrants & Federal Funding
From CRISI to state infrastructure programs, we help shortlines identify eligible funding, shape competitive applications, and structure matching capital for track and terminal projects.
Explore grant supportCommercial & Growth Strategy
Pricing, market development, and customer strategy grounded in operating experience — focused on carload growth, lane economics, and durable shipper relationships.
Explore advisoryIndustrial Development
We bring rail-served industrial projects to your lines — site selection, feasibility, and development that lands new on-line customers and long-term freight.
Explore site servicesInvestment & Partnership
Growth capital, recapitalizations, and acquisitions. Whether you need a partner to fund expansion or are considering a full or partial sale, we are an active, disciplined buyer.
Explore investment
Decades of shortline operating and investment experience — working alongside owners and managers to grow carloads and value.
Common questions from shortline railroads.
What services do you provide to shortline railroads?
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We help shortline railroads grow revenue and reduce operating cost through transloading development, railcar storage programs, industrial development along their lines, commercial strategy, grant and federal funding support, and operational advisory. Engagements range from a single project to an ongoing partnership.
Can you help a shortline add transloading revenue?
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Yes. We source, design, and develop transloading facilities on shortline-served tracks — matching commodity demand to your network, structuring terminal operations, and connecting you with shippers that need rail-to-truck transfer. Transloading is one of the fastest ways for a shortline to add carloads and diversify revenue.
Do you work with shortlines on railcar storage programs?
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Yes. Railcar storage turns underutilized track into recurring revenue. We help shortlines evaluate storage capacity, price programs, and connect with railcar owners, lessors, and shippers seeking storage — including locations within our own network that offer storage, cleaning, and repair services.
Can you help secure grants or federal funding for a shortline?
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Yes. We help shortline railroads identify and pursue federal and state infrastructure programs — including CRISI and related grant opportunities — from eligibility assessment through application strategy and matching-fund structuring.
Do you invest in or acquire shortline railroads?
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Yes. Through our capital platform we acquire, invest in, and partner with shortline railroads and rail-served assets. If you are an owner considering a full or partial sale, or an operator seeking growth capital, we would like to hear from you.
Tell us about your railroad — or your interest in a full or partial sale.
Tell us about your business and what you are looking to achieve. We review every inquiry confidentially and respond within one to two business days.