About us
Built by Rail Professionals, for Rail Professionals
Emerald Coast Procurement was founded by industry veterans who spent decades on the inside of rail car procurement — and saw firsthand how much shippers were leaving on the table.
Our story
A Decade of Rail Experience, Now Working for You
For over a decade, our founders worked within the rail industry — negotiating leases, managing fleets, and navigating the regulatory landscape for industrial shippers across North America. We understood the complexity, the relationships, and the leverage points that most shippers never see.
In 2025, we launched Emerald Coast Procurement with a single mission: to bring that insider expertise to manufacturers and shippers who deserve better outcomes from their rail programs. We work exclusively on the buy side — our only client is you.
Based on the Gulf Coast, we serve clients across North America, with a focus on the chemical, agricultural, energy, and building materials sectors that depend on rail as a critical link in their supply chain.
Our team
The People Behind the Work
Hunter Wilson
Senior Consultant
Hunter Wilson brings a rare and powerful combination of technical experience and financial strategy to Emerald Coast Procurement. As a leasing and repair veteran in the transportation sector, Hunter built his reputation by managing large railcar fleets and directing technical asset strategies across North America. Before stepping into his role as a consultant, he served as the Director of Commercial Engineering at American Industrial Transport (AITX) and as the AVP of Commercial Engineering for SMBC Rail Services. In these positions, he successfully aligned complex engineering projects with customer-centric and corporate goals. His hands-on background ensures that every fleet investment is backed by strict financial logic and full regulatory compliance. Today, Hunter channels this deep railroad industry expertise into highly specialized consulting services for our clients — delivering insider knowledge on railcar design, maintenance frameworks, and leasing structures that allows Emerald Coast Procurement to help clients spot hidden operational costs, minimize supply chain risks, and negotiate highly favorable vendor contracts.
How we operate
Our Principles
Buy-Side Only
We never represent lessors, car owners, or railroads. Our loyalty is entirely to our clients — no conflicts, no hidden incentives.
Transparent Fees
Our fee structure is straightforward and disclosed upfront. You always know exactly what you're paying and what you're getting.
Market Intelligence
We track lease rates, car availability, and regulatory changes daily — so our clients always negotiate from a position of knowledge.
Long-Term Relationships
We measure success in years, not transactions. Most of our clients have worked with us for multiple procurement cycles.
Our expertise
Sectors We Serve
Our team has deep operational experience across the industries that rely most heavily on rail transportation.
Chemical & Petrochemical
Tank cars, pressure cars, and hazmat compliance for chemical producers across the Gulf Coast and beyond.
Agricultural Commodities
Covered hoppers, grain cars, and seasonal fleet planning for ag shippers.
Energy & Petroleum
Tank car procurement and fleet management for crude, refined products, and LPG.
Building Materials
Flatcars, gondolas, and boxcars for lumber, cement, and aggregate shippers.
Plastics & Resins
Covered hoppers and specialty cars for polymer and resin producers.
Metals & Mining
Gondolas, hoppers, and flatcars for ore, scrap, and finished metals.
Let's talk about your rail program.
Whether you're managing an existing fleet or entering the rail market for the first time, we'd like to hear about your situation.