If you’re managing a railcar fleet loaded with product—especially in industries like plastics, petrochemicals, or manufacturing—you’ve likely considered the benefits of storing railcars offsite. That’s where Storage-In-Transit (SIT) yards offer a competitive edge. These yards serve as flexible, cost-effective staging points that function like a “warehouse on wheels.”
At Viper Rail Car Storage, we’ve built a nationwide network of SIT-ready railcar storage yards, compatible with every major Class I railroad. Our SIT program is designed to increase logistics flexibility, reduce congestion at production sites, and streamline delivery to end customers.
How SIT Yards Work
SIT yards allow shippers to store loaded railcars offsite until product is needed. Railcars are delivered to the SIT facility by the shipper, and a switch-in charge is applied. The railcars remain in storage—sometimes for days, sometimes for months—until the product is sold or needed. At that point, the consignee initiates billing, and a switch-out charge applies for the move to final destination.
This approach gives manufacturers the ability to:
- Manage inventory without on-site congestion
- Delay delivery while maintaining product availability
- Strategically position railcars near customers or usage points
While SIT yards are often located closer to the shipper than the customer, an increasing number of companies are choosing to stage railcars near key customers to improve responsiveness and reduce delivery times.
SIT Storage in the Plastic Resin Industry
One of the most common uses of SIT storage is in the plastic resin industry. Manufacturers often produce large batches of plastic pellets and load them into covered hopper railcars for bulk transport. These cars are then staged in SIT yards until they’re needed downstream.
There are seven major types of plastics often shipped in resin form:
- PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
- PP (Polypropylene)
- PS (Polystyrene)
- Other (e.g., BPA, Polycarbonate, LEXAN)
By utilizing SIT yards, plastic manufacturers can reduce on-site inventory costs, avoid demurrage charges, and maintain better control of delivery windows.
Is SIT Right for Your Fleet?
SIT yards are especially valuable in dynamic markets. When demand is high, SIT facilities enable faster fulfillment. In slower markets, they provide breathing room for better planning and fleet control. Whether you’re staging product for delivery or holding railcars until the market rebounds, SIT storage provides the flexibility and cost control modern fleet managers need.
Ready to Implement a SIT Strategy?
At Viper Rail Car Storage, we help shippers and fleet managers integrate SIT yards into their logistics workflow. From selecting the right location to coordinating Class I movements, we handle the details so you can focus on your operation.
👉 Contact Viper Rail Car Storage today to learn more about SIT yard availability and get a custom quote.