ANCAF
One-Stop Company for Railcar Leasing and Repairs

ANCAF has set a benchmark in railcar leasing and repair services with a reputation forged over decades. Established in 1949, the company owns a fleet of over 3,000 railcars and AAR-certified workshops for repairing, modifying and providing general maintenance.

The only Mexican company with two strategically located workshops, ANCAF repairs all railcars in its fleet and extends the service to units owned by private and public companies.

“We never compromise on quality and compliance. All the work performed in our workshop is compliant with AAR standards,” says Gerardo Saavedra, general director.

Beginning its journey in association with GATX, ANCAF became independent in 1991. It initially focused on leasing within Mexico and broadened the scope of operations over the years to include fleet services. The dedication to improving its offerings led to the expansion into the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Most railcar repair shops in the U.S. are overwhelmed with demand, leading to extended repair turnaround times. Long-standing customers are often prioritized over new business, putting a significant burden on small players. ANCAF’s two repair shops in Mexico ensure that railcars are serviced within a markedly shorter four to six weeks. This is highly beneficial for customers with fleets carrying goods to Mexico. With transportation costs already covered by shipping fees, customers can schedule servicing before their return trip to the U.S., resulting in minimal downtime and expense.

Meeting client-specific needs is integral to ANCAF’s operations. It understands all client requirements and provides railcars that meet exact specifications. A detailed scope of work outlining the modifications or adaptations serves as the foundation for this high level of custom work. Customers are welcome to send their inspector to review the work for quality and compliance before it is dispatched to a loading facility.
End-to-end support is a vital component of the services provided to both large and small businesses. Large-volume clients are assisted with meeting the specific requirements and strict certification processes for compliance with regulations.

Smaller companies are guided through every step of the maintenance and compliance process. This can include assistance with regulatory requirements such as HM-216b, which relates to the maintenance and qualification of tank cars for hazardous materials.

Building and maintaining long-term commercial client relationships is central to ANCAF’s operations. It is always on the lookout for solutions that enable it to meet and exceed client needs.

Direct and responsive communication is offered during the entire process. Customers receive prompt answers to their questions without being shuffled between departments. This approach enables clients to effectively maintain their fleets in compliance with regulatory standards. A long list of reputed clients, including The Greenbrier Companies, Ferromex, Pemex, CIT AND Grupo Mexico, is a testament to its relentless dedication to meeting client needs.

In a sector where experience and expertise are vital, ANCAF’s seven decades-long presence speaks volumes. By rising to all the potential challenges and turning them into strategic successes, it continues to empower operators to meet the growing demand for rail freight and contribute to the integrity and improvement of the Mexican railroad system.