As of the end of 2009 the Group’s total fleet numbered 37,217 units of rolling stock. Globaltrans’ owned fleet is relatively young with an average age of 6.2 years compared to a useful life for a gondola car of 22 years and a rail tank car of 32 years.
As of the end of 2009, 32,384 units of rolling stock or 87% of the Group’s total fleet were owned or leased under finance leases.
The number of leased-in rolling stock amounted to 4,833 units or 13% of the Group’s total fleet as of the end of 2009. Globaltrans relies on leasing in rolling stock from third parties, as a reliable way to quickly react to changes in demand for freight rail transportation services without significant capital expenditure.
As of the end of 2009, gondola cars accounted for approximately 48% of the Group’s total fleet, or 17,821 railcars. The general-purpose gondola cars are used to carry a variety of cargoes, including ferrous metals, scrap metal, ores, crushed stone, coal, timber and pipes.
As of the end of 2009, rail tank cars, which are used predominantly for the transportation of oil products and oil, accounted for approximately 51% of the Group’s total fleet, or 18,846 railcars. Approximately 13% of the Group’s total rail tank car fleet or 2,536 units are steam jacket rail tank cars, which enable faster loading and unloading times of oil products during winter months, thus helping to improve fleet utilisation. The Group’s fleet of rail tank cars also includes 270 LPG railcars.
The Group’s fleet of locomotives consisted of 60 units as of the end of 2009. These locomotives are used primarily for traction of block trains**. Consisting only of the Group’s rolling stock bound for the same destination, and in contrast to trains consisting of rolling stock operated by various parties and/or heading to various destinations, block trains** do not require the time-consuming attachment and detachment of rolling stock at stations, thus improving delivery time and increasing railcar utilisation and overall efficiency.
For Globaltrans' fleet structure, please click here.
As it is critical to have reliable and functioning rolling stock, high quality maintenance and repair are key components of the Group’s success. The Group’s rolling stock undergoes rigorous and regular repair and maintenance as prescribed by the applicable rules and regulations. The Group applies strict standards to ensure that its fleet is well maintained.
*based on publicly available information.
**Block train means a train comprising of only rolling stock operated by a single company which is bound for the same destination.
