Exhibit 23.1 Consent of Independent Public Accountants As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to registration statement of our reports dated November 13, 1996 included and incorporated by reference in XTRA Corporation's Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1996 and to all references to our Firm included in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to registration statement. Boston, Massachusetts May 5, 1997 Arthur Andersen L.L.P.