Types of Rail Cars for Container Transportation

Rail cars are also used for container transportation.

It was once more common for passengers to travel by train than to drive or fly. Today, rail cars are most often used for freight, not passengers. Containers are also transported by truck or ship.

The Boxcar

Before the late 19th century, wooden boxcars were common.

This type of freight container precedes railroads themselves. It was originally developed as transport in coal mines and is now the most commonly used container freight car. Known as a High Cubed Boxcar, this type of container has carried everything from automobiles to food and paper products. There is a refrigerated version of this container used to carry perishable food items. It includes interior racks to secure meat and poultry, plus different kinds of insulation and ventilation to transport produce.

The Hopper

Storing grain to and from elevators is a common task for hoppers.

A hopper is the container you see loading up with grain under an elevator or with gravel next to a construction site. The hopper is designed with both an open and a closed top, where it is typically loaded. The hoppers at the bottom are where the container is unloaded. Like a tanker, it can be lined with different materials to protect more sensitive cargo.

Tanker

Tankers and flat cars in transport

The tanker is capable of transporting any and all liquids, but usually carries those of an industrial nature such as gasoline, heating oil and acids. Certain food commodities like corn syrup are also carried in Tankers. In the case of dangerous industrial chemicals such as acid, tankers are specially designed and fitted with resistant materials to ensure safety.

Flat Car

The original freight car of the railroad industry, the flat car was first used in 1820. Today it is used to carry freight that must be loaded from the side or top, including ocean-bound containers. Lumber, machinery and piping are also loaded onto flat cars. Modern flat cars come in a variety of designs depending on the cargo, such as center beam flats and well cars.

References

• American Rails.com: Railroad Freight Cars, Moving Those Goods
• World of Trade: Guide to Railcars
• American Rails: Railroad Freight Cars, Railroad Boxcars, Good to Haul About Anything!
• American Rails: Railroad Freight Cars, Flatcars, The First Freight Train Car

Resources

• Robl.w1.com: The Intermodal Container FAQ