137.022.  Private car company, defined — subject to assessment and taxation, manner. — 1.  As used in this section, "private car company" means any person, association, company or corporation, not being the owner or lessee of a railroad or street railway company, engaged in the business of furnishing or leasing any railroad cars, except dining, buffet, chair, parlor, palace or sleeping cars, which are used in the operation of any railroad or street railway company, wholly or partly within this state, or when owning and operating, or operating, any railroad freight, refrigerator or tank car on railway lines in this state for the transportation of his or its goods, wares, merchandise or products.  As used in this section, "commission", means the Missouri state tax commission.

  2.  The property of private car companies is subject to assessment and ad valorem taxation; however, the equipment owned by such companies known as "flanged wheel equipment" shall be assessed by the commission and shall be taxed in the manner provided in this section.