We offer a relentless level of service

Railcar Cleaning and Flaring

Comprehensive Railcar Cleaning and Flaring Services by PFL

PFL's Crews brings the Cleaning to You.

When it comes to maintaining the cleanliness and safety of your railcars, PFL is your trusted partner. Our highly skilled mobile cleaning team, equipped with state-of-the-art custom-built equipment, brings cleaning operations directly to you.

Our Mobile Railcar Team Offers:


  • Advanced Cleaning Capabilities: Our team is experienced in handling hazardous materials, hardened substances, sludge-like commodities, and more. With our advanced cleaning process, we ensure that your tanks, hoppers, boxcars, gondolas, and other railcar types are thoroughly cleaned.
  • Turnkey Mobile Operations: We provide convenient turnkey mobile cleaning and flaring operations throughout North America. This eliminates the need to send railcars to fixed facilities or navigate regulatory restrictions that limit their movement.
  • Stringent Disposal Protocols: We adhere to strict disposal protocols to ensure the safe handling and proper disposal of waste materials generated during the cleaning process. Our commitment to environmental preservation is paramount.
  • Extensive Industry Experience: With years of experience and strong partnerships with shortlines, refineries, and storage yards, PFL has a competitive edge in the industry. We set new industry standards by delivering exceptional service and maintaining professional relationships.
  • Unwavering Commitment to Safety and Satisfaction: At PFL, professionalism, precision, and integrity are at the core of our operations. We prioritize safety and ensure that our railcar cleaning and flaring services are tailored to your specific needs. Your satisfaction is our utmost priority.

Clean Railcar Guarantee

All clients will receive progress reports, confined space permits, clean certificates, insurances COI’s, and whatever else necessary throughout the cleaning process. Our cleaning personnel are hardworking, highly motived, and ready to begin working right away!

Trust PFL for Exceptional Railcar Cleaning and Flaring Services:


  • Highly skilled mobile cleaning personnel
  • State-of-the-art custom-built equipment
  • Compliance with regulatory standards
  • Convenient turnkey operations at your location
  • Stringent waste disposal protocols
  • Extensive industry experience and partnerships
  • Commitment to safety and customer satisfaction

Example Process for Crude Petroleum Cleaning


  • Step 1: Thorough Product Removal. To begin the railcar cleaning process, we meticulously remove any remaining product from the tank. Our cleaning procedure caters to various commodities, including food-grade and petroleum products. Typically, we initiate this step by opening the bottom outlet valve to drain out as much residual liquid as possible.
  • Step 2: Ventilation for Safety. Next, we ensure the tank's safety by ventilating it through the top manway cover. While this ventilation method is suitable for most commodities, crude oil tank cars require alternative approaches. In such cases, we employ controlled ventilation to a flare system for safe vapor destruction until the vapors fall below the ignition threshold caused by sparks.
  • Step 3: Technicians Scrape Residual Commodities. For crude cars, our skilled railcar technicians enter the tank to clean the heel. During this stage, another technician, known as a hole-watch, diligently monitors both the technician inside the tank and the vapor levels. The technician working inside the tank wears protective clothing, utilizes a vapor level monitor, employs a full-face air supply, and utilizes non-sparking scrapers.
  • Step 4: Steam Cleaning for Optimal Results. Using our custom-made mobile boiler, we introduce steam into the tank for a duration of 2-4 hours, depending on the specific commodity. This steam treatment effectively loosens any remaining residuals, enabling thorough scraping once the railcar cools down.
  • Step 5: Precise Pressure Washing. Following the second scraping, we employ a high-pressure washer combined with specialized soap to meticulously clean any lingering residuals present within the tank's metal or lining. This step ensures a comprehensive cleaning outcome.
  • Step 6: Site Cleanup and Responsible Waste Disposal. As the final step, we diligently clean up the worksite and promptly remove all waste materials to an authorized disposal facility. Our commitment to environmental responsibility ensures proper waste management and disposal.

Choose PFL for reliable, efficient, and top-quality railcar cleaning and flaring services. Contact us today to discuss your specific cleaning requirements and experience the PFL difference.

Custom-built Flares for Sale or Lease

  • Our railcar flares are conveniently trailer-mounted, ensuring mobility and flexibility for various applications. With this portable solution, you can efficiently handle flammable substances such as propane, butane, iso-butane, Y-grade, C-5, crude oil vapors, ammonia, anhydrous ammonia, and other flammable materials.
  • Our railcar flares are equipped with smokeless tips, delivering exceptional performance while minimizing environmental impact. The smokeless design ensures efficient combustion without compromising air quality or causing excessive emissions.
  • Typical use: propane, butane, iso-butane, Y-grade, C-5, crude oil vapors, ammonia, anhydrous ammonia and most other flammables.
  • Do you have specific requirements or unique flaring needs? We're here to help! Contact us at (239) 390-2885 to discuss your specific railcar flare requirements. Our knowledgeable team will provide personalized assistance and guidance to meet your specific needs.