How much is a full tank car?
A full tank car can mean two different things: the cost of buying or leasing the railcar itself, or the cost of filling the car with its cargo. In practice, new rail tank cars cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, while filling a full car depends on current commodity prices and the car’s capacity. Here’s how the answers break down in today’s market.
What a rail tank car is and how much it can hold
Rail tank cars are specialized freight cars designed to carry liquids such as gasoline, diesel, chemicals, or other bulk liquids. A typical tank car has a capacity of about 29,000 to 31,000 gallons (roughly 110,000 to 120,000 liters). Prices and availability vary by car type, age, and compliance standards. Common car models include DOT-111, CPC-1232, and various pressure-rated designs used for hazardous and nonhazardous liquids.
Costs to acquire a tank car
New vs used and leasing options
Prices in the market today fall into several broad ranges depending on whether the car is new, used, or leased. The following figures reflect current market conditions and typical configurations.
- New tank cars: approximately $350,000–$600,000 per unit, depending on capacity, material, fittings, and regulatory compliance.
- Used tank cars: roughly $180,000–$400,000, with cheaper options for older fleets or cars in moderate condition and with ongoing maintenance needs.
- Leasing a tank car: commonly around $800–$2,500 per month, depending on terms, mileage allowances, and credit arrangements.
Asset ownership often also entails maintenance, insurance, inspections, rustproofing, and periodic retrofit costs to meet evolving safety rules. Many buyers and operators choose leases or finance arrangements to preserve liquidity or to scale capacity quickly.
Costs to fill a tank car with cargo
Illustrative calculations for common liquids
Filling costs depend on the cargo type and the current market price of that liquid. For a typical ~29,000–31,000 gallon car, here are illustrative examples using representative price points. Prices fluctuate daily, so always use the current market price at the time of fill.
- Gasoline (gasoline-grade fuel): If the price is about $3.50 per gallon, a full 29,000–31,000 gallon fill would cost roughly $101,500–$108,500.
- Diesel fuel: At about $3.60 per gallon, the fill would be roughly $104,400–$111,600.
- Chemicals or specialty liquids: Prices vary widely by chemical; a car could be filled at a few dollars per gallon for inexpensive liquids or well over $10 per gallon for certain specialty chemicals, producing a very different total.
In addition to the cargo cost, customers should budget for handling charges, insurance, risk management, terminal fees, and any necessary compatibility or safety testing for the specific liquid being shipped.
Other factors that influence price and value
Beyond the basic asset and cargo costs, several factors can affect the final price you pay or earn from a tank car deal:
- Regulatory compliance and safety retrofits (e.g., updated fittings, lining, or shell protections).
- Maintenance history and current condition of the car (corrosion protection, wheels, bearings, valves).
- Geographic location and logistics costs (shipping to/from terminals, rail line access, and storage).
- Supply and demand cycles in the railcar market and the price volatility of bulk liquids.
Operators often weigh the benefits of ownership against the flexibility of leasing, especially in industries with seasonal demand or project-based needs.
Summary
The price of a full tank car depends on two main factors: the asset itself and the cargo inside. New rail tank cars typically run about $350,000 to $600,000, used cars range from roughly $180,000 to $400,000, and monthly leases commonly fall between $800 and $2,500. Filling a full car with fuel or chemicals depends on current market prices for the liquid and the car’s capacity (about 29,000–31,000 gallons). For a gasoline fill at $3.50 per gallon, expect roughly $101,500–$108,500 in cargo costs, with additional charges for handling and safety compliance. Prices are highly volatile and vary by liquid type, region, and market conditions. Always consult current market data and your carrier or supplier for precise figures.
How much does it cost to fill a car tank?
And $56. For a sedan with the average gas tank size of 12 gall. It will cost a approximately $42 to fill up with the current gas prices. A crossover SUV has a slightly larger tank of around 16 gall.
How much does $20 fill up a tank?
How much gas will $10 or $20 get me? Based on average gas prices and fuel efficiency, $10 will get you about 3 gallons of gas and last you around 80 miles; $20 will get you a little over 6 gallons and last almost 160 miles.
How much is in a full tank?
Is 16 Gallons of Gas a Full Tank? Yes, 16 gallons can be considered a full tank for many vehicles, especially mid-sized sedans and some smaller SUVs. It's important to note that the exact capacity can be a bit more or less depending on the specific model and make of the car.
How much is a fuel tank for a car?
Expect to pay between $700 and $2,500
On average, fuel tank replacement costs range from about $700 to $2,500, depending on your vehicle and labor rates.
