Guide to Railcars

Select a type of Rail Car or category from the following list:

Introduction

This guide to railcars has been developed from materials obtained from a number of railcar manufacturers world­wide. It is designed to illustrat e the main types of rail­cars used in international trade and to give readers an insight into common configurations, dimensions and op­tions.

Railcar Types

In the almost 200 years since the railroad was invented specialty railcars have been developed to transport every type of commodity imaginable. There are, however, nine basic types of railcars used in international trade. They are: Boxcar, Re­frigerated Boxcar (Reefer), Flatcar, Tanker, Container Carrier, Gondola, Hopper, Center Partition Railcar, Auto Transporter.

Railcar Manufacturers

While there are but nine types of railcars, there are many variations of each. Railcar manufacturers offer a wide variety of custom-built (purpose-built) models for every need imaginable. In addition, manufacturers design base models with variations in length, width, height and with special features and options.

Manufacturers also offer similar base models with dif­ferent wheel and truck configurations for use on differ­ent domestic and international railway systems.

Railway Requirements

Factors affecting railcar design specifications include railway beds, curves, track, railway gauge, bridges and tunnels, and condition of the system as a whole.

  • The quality, composition and condition of railway beds affect the weight and speed of a railway car.
  • Railway curves affect turning radius requirements.
  • Railway track type determines wheel requirements.
  • Railway gauge determines the width between wheels.
  • Bridges and tunnels determine maximum height.
  • The condition of the railway system determines gross weights and load limits for railcar configurations.

Railway Gauge

Rail gauge is the measure of the distance between the two rails of a railroad.

  • Standard gauge (or international gauge) is 4' 81/2" and is used in 60 percent of the world's rail systems.
  • Broad gauge are railways that are greater than 4' 81/2" in width.
  • Narrow gauge are any railways that are less than 4' 81/2" in width.
  • Dual gauge are railways that have three or four rails posi­tioned such that trains of two different gauges can use it.
  • A break of gauge is where railways of two different gauges meet.

Notes

Every effort has been made to accurately describe the different types of railcars listed. However:

  • Different railcar manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for specific applications.
  • Weight and capacity data are a function of railcar manu­facturer, railcar model, and rail system requirements.
  • The Dimensions, Weight/Capacity, and Curve Nego­tiability Radius data are valid only for the specific railcar make and model listed.
  • While different national and regional rail systems will have specialized requirements for railcar specifica­tions, every type of railcar in this guide has an equiv­alent in every rail system worldwide.
  • Be certain to inquire about precise specifications for a railcar type from your logistics provider prior to mak­ing final decisions regarding a shipment.

Acknowledgement

We wish to thank the Greenbrier Companies, Inc. for their contribution of general information about railcars, railcar specifications, and especially for their exceptional railcar illustrations for the samples provided. (www.gbrx.com)

Boxcar
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Use

  • Boxcars are the most common type of cargo railcar in use worldwide and are designed to carry boxed, crated or palletized freight of all kinds.
  • Common commodities transported include: paper products, canned goods, bulky freight.

Key Features and Options

  • Boxcars come in 50, 60, and 86-foot lengths with load capacities ranging from 70 to 105 tons.
  • Single or double doors with plug or sliding configuration, cushioned or non-cushioned under-frames, insulated or non-insulated interiors. Box cars may also be equipped with various interior loading devices such as belt-rails or moveable bulkheads to secure loads.

Notes

  • Different railcar manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for specific applications.
  • Weight and capacity data are a function of railcar manufacturer, railcar model, and rail system requirements.
  • The following Dimensions, Weight/Capacity, and Curve Negotiability Radius data are valid for the Greenbrier Plate F Boxcar for Paper Products.

Dimensions

Length, inside

50' 6"

15.4 m

Length, over couplers

58' 4¼"

17.79 m

Total wheel base

46' 8"

14.22 m

Height, inside

13' 13/16"

3.98 m

Height (extreme)

16' 119/16"

5.18 m

Door opening height

12' 4"

3.76 m

Door opening width

10'

3.05 m

Width, inside

9' 6"

2.90 m

Width (extreme)

10' 75/8"

3.24 m

Weight/Capacity (estimated)

Cubic capacity

6,269 cu ft

177.5 m3

Light weight

74,200 lbs

33,657 kg

Gross rail load

286,000 lbs

129,727 kg

Load limit

211,800 lbs

96,071 kg

Curve Negotiability Radius

Uncoupled

150'

45.72 m

Coupled to like car

203'

61.87 m

Coupled to base car

230'

70.10 m
Illustration and specifications courtesy The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

High Cube Boxcar
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Use

  • Boxcars are the most common type of cargo railcar in use worldwide and are designed to carry boxed, crated or palletized freight of all kinds.
  • Common commodities transported include: paper products, forest products, canned goods, food products.
  • High cube boxcars are designed for transporting extremely bulky loads.

Key Features and Options

  • Box cars come in 50, 60, and 86-foot lengths with load capacities ranging from 70 to 105 tons.
  • Single or double doors with plug or sliding configuration, cushioned or non-cushioned under-frames, insulated or non-insulated interiors. Box cars may also be equipped with various interior loading devices such as belt-rails or moveable bulkheads to secure loads.

Notes

  • Different railcar manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for specific applications.
  • Weight and capacity data are a function of railcar manufacturer, railcar model, and rail system requirements.
  • The following Dimensions, Weight/Capacity, and Curve Negotiability Radius data are valid for the Greenbrier 60' High-Cube Boxcar.

Dimensions

Length, inside

60' 9"

18.52 m

Length, over couplers

67' 101/2"

20.69 m

Height, inside

11' 53/8"

3.49 m

Height (extreme)

15' 9"

4.80 m

Door opening height

10' 4"

3.15 m

Door opening width

12' 0"

3.66 m

Width, inside

9' 6"

2.90 m

Width (extreme)

10' 71/2"

3.24 m

Weight/Capacity (estimated)

Cubic capacity

6,607 cu ft

187 m3

Light weight

79,300 lbs

35,970 kg

Gross rail load

286,000 lbs

129,727 kg

Load limit

206,700 lbs

93,758 kg

Curve Negotiability Radius

Uncoupled

180'

54.86 m

Coupled to like car

180'

54.86 m

Coupled to base car

229'

69.80 m
Illustration and specifications courtesy The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

Refrigerated Boxcar (Reefer)
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Use

  • Reefers (refrigerated) boxcars are designed to carry perishable freight at specific temperatures.
  • Common commodities transported in reefer boxcars include vegetables, fruit, orange and other juices, milk, meat and poultry.

Features and Options

  • Reefers can be cooled with ice, a mechanical refrigeration system, or carbon dioxide (as dry ice or in liquid form).
  • Some shipments of fruits and vegetables require only insulated and ventilated boxcars to remove the heat created in the ripening process.
  • Available in a multitude of lengths.
  • Meat reefers are equipped with specialized beef rails.
  • Dairy and poultry products require specialized interior racks to ensure cooled air circulates.

Notes

  • Different railcar manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for specific applications.
  • Weight and capacity data are a function of railcar manufacturer, railcar model, and rail system requirements.
  • The following Dimensions, Weight/Capacity, and Curve Negotiability Radius data are valid only for listed railcar.

Dimensions

Length, inside

50' 6"

15.4 m

Length, over couplers

58' 41/4"

17.79 m

Total wheel base

46' 8"

14.22 m

Height (inside

n/a

n/a

Height (extreme)

16' 119/16"

5.18 m

Door opening height

12' 4"

3.76 m

Door opening width

10'

3.05 m

Width inside

n/a

n/a

Width (extreme)

10' 75/8"

3.24 m

Weight/Capacity (estimated)

Cubic capacity

n/a

n/a

Light weight

n/a

n/a

Gross rail load

n/a

n/a

Load limit

n/a

n/a

Curve Negotiability Radius

Uncoupled

150'

45.72 m

Coupled to like car

203'

61.87 m

Coupled to base car

230'

70.10 m

Container Stack Railcar
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Use

  • Designed to carry international standard 20', 40', 45', 48', and 53' ocean freight containers in various stacking combinations.

Notes

  • Different railcar manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for different container and stacking configurations.
  • Weight and capacity data are a function of railcar manufacturer, railcar model, and rail system requirements.
  • The following Dimensions, Weight/Capacity, and Curve Negotiability Radius data are valid for the Greenbrier Husky-Stack 53' Container Car.

Dimensions

Length over couplers

76' 83/4"

23.387 m

Length between truck centers

62' 7"

19.08 m

Well size

53' x 102' 3/8"

16.15 m x 31.2 m

Width extreme, over platforms

10' 8"

3.25 m

Height, rail to container surface (empty car)

121/16"

0.306 m

Height, rail to centerline coupler

2' 101/2"

0.876 m

Height, extreme

20' 2"

6.147 m

Top of side sill to top of rail (empty car)

60"

1.52 m

Weight/Capacity

Light weight

50,500 lbs.

22,906 kg

Gross rail load

220,000 lbs.

99,790 kg

Load limit (for 220,000 lb GRL)

169,500 lbs.

76,884 kg

Curve Negotiability Radius

Coupled to 40' base car

300'

91.5 m

Coupled to like car

304'

92.7 m

Uncoupled

180'

54.9 m
Illustration and specifications courtesy The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

Flat Car
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Use

  • Flatcars are designed to transport oversize goods and cargo that must be loaded from the side or top.
  • Standard cargo for platform trailers includes: ocean freight containers, intermodal truck trailers, machinery, farm equipment, heavy construction equipment, lumber, plywood, steel, steel products, spooled wire, pipe and rebar.

Features and Options

  • Available in numerous lengths.
  • Features large flat cargo surface that will accommodate virtually any commodity that is not subject to damage from the elements.
  • Multiple tie downs.

Notes

  • Different railcar manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for different container and stacking configurations.
  • Weight and capacity data are a function of railcar manufacturer, railcar model, and rail system requirements.
  • The following Dimensions, Weight/Capacity, and Curve Negotiability Radius data are valid for the Greenbrier Heavy Duty Flatcar.

Dimensions

Length, over end sill

85' 21/2"

25.97 m

Length, over couplers

90' 61/4"

27.59 m

Length, between truck centers

66' 0"

20.12 m

Height, rail to pedestal support

3' 11"

1.2 m

Width, extreme

9' 101/4"

3 m

Width, over side sills

9' 1"

2.77 m

Weight/Capacity

Light weight

60,000 lbs

27,216 kg

Gross rail load

286,000 lbs

129,727 kg

Load limit

226,000 lbs

102,512 kg

Curve Negotiability Radius

Uncoupled

180'

54.86 m

Coupled to like car

214'

65.23 m

Coupled to 40' base car

350'

106.68 m
Illustration and specifications courtesy The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

Tanker
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Use

  • Tankers are designed to carry bulk liquids.
  • Common commodities transported in tankers include refined gasoline, heating oil, alcohol, industrial chemicals, acids (sulfuric acid, oleum, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, ferric chloride, hydrofluosilic acid), clay slurry, corn syrup and other foodstuffs.

Key Features and Options

  • Product-specific linings and coatings are specially selected to protect tank shell integrity and product purity. Many cars are fitted with loading and unloading devices on a single nozzle, protecting workers and the environment.
  • Acid cars are specially designed and constructed tankers that feature high-bake epoxy linings, acid resistant coatings and special acid resistant fittings and unloading systems.

Notes

  • Different railcar manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for different container and stacking configurations.
  • Weight and capacity data are a function of railcar manufacturer, railcar model, and rail system requirements.
  • The following Dimensions, Weight/Capacity, and Curve Negotiability Radius data are valid for a particular model gasoline/methane tanker

Dimensions

Length over couplers

59' 9"

18.21 m

Length over strikers

57' 11/2"

17.41 m

Truck centers

46' 31/4"

14.10 m

Height, extreme

15' 5"

4.70 m

Width, extreme

10' 71/2"

3.24 m

Weight/Capacity

Light weight

65,700 lbs

29,801 kg

Gross rail load

263,000 lbs

119,295 kg

Shell full capacity

30,000 gallons

113,562 liters

Tank

Inside diameter

9'111/8"

3.03 m

Length over tank heads

53' 1013/16"

16.43 m

Tank slope

1/4" per foot

-

Plate thickness

7/16"

1.11 cm

Manway nozzle

20"

50.8 cm
Illustration(s) © Copyright 2006 by World Trade Press. All Rights Reserved.

Hopper Car
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Use

  • Hopper cars are designed to transport free flowing dry bulk commodities.
  • Common commodities transported include grains, industrial minerals, plastic pellets, crushed rock, gravel and sand.

Features and Options

  • Hopper cars are available in both covered and uncovered configurations.
  • Hopper cars have the advantage of bulk loading from the top and bulk unloading through hoppers on the bottom.
  • Special interior linings are available to protect specialty commodities.

Notes

  • Different railcar manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for different container and stacking configurations.
  • Weight and capacity data are a function of railcar manufacturer, railcar model, and rail system requirements.
  • The following Dimensions, Weight/Capacity, and Curve Negotiability Radius data are valid for the Greenbrier Covered Hopper for Grain Service.

Dimensions

Length over couplers

58' 0"

17.68 m

Length between truck centers

52' 101/8"

16.11 m

Length, inside

45' 51/2"

13.18 m

Height, extreme

15' 6"

4.72 m

Height, rail to center line coupler

341/2"

0.876 m

Width, extreme

10' 8"

3.25 m

Weight/Capacity

Light weight

61,500 lbs

27,896 kg

Gross rail load

286,000 lbs

129,727 kg

Load limit

224,500 lbs

101,831 kg

Capacity

5,250 cu ft

149 m3

Curve Negotiability Radius

Uncoupled

150'

45.72 m

Coupled to like car

199'

60.66 m

Coupled to base car

197'

60 m
Illustration and specifications courtesy The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

Gondola (Mill Gondola) Railcar
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Use

  • Mill gondolas are extremely sturdy railcars designed to transport iron and steel scrap, steel ingots, coiled steel, sheet steel, pipes and other steel products.
  • Aggregate gondolas are designed to transport industrial minerals, crushed rock and gravel.

Key Features and Options

  • Standard lengths range from 48' to 66'.
  • Standard wall heights range from 5' to 6' for mill gondolas and higher for aggregate gondolas.
  • Mill gondolas are designed primarily for the steel industry.
  • Options include cross bars, load restraining devices, and wooden troughs for handling specialty cargo.
  • Aggregate gondolas typically do not have internal bracing in order to facilitate top unloading.

Notes

  • Different railcar manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for different container and stacking configurations.
  • Weight and capacity data are a function of railcar manufacturer, railcar model, and rail system requirements.
  • The following Dimensions, Weight/Capacity, and Curve Negotiability Radius data are valid for the Greenbrier Mill Type Gondola.

Dimensions

Length, inside

66' 0"

20.12 m

Length over couplers

71' 31/2"

21.73 m

Length between truck centers

57' 2"

17.42 m

Width, inside between side sheets

8' 101/2"

24.65 m

Height, inside

5' 9"

1.75 m

Height, top of rail to top of chord

9' 33/8"

2.83 m

Height, top of rail to top end extension

12' 63/8"

3.82 m

Width, inside between stake pockets extended

8' 0"

2.44 m

Weight/Capacity (estimated)

Cubic capacity

3,366 cu ft

95.31 m3

Light weight

75,000 lbs

34,019 kg

Gross rail weight

286,000 lbs

129,727 kg

Load limit

211,000 lbs

95,708 kg

Curve Negotiability Radius

Uncoupled

180'

54.86 m

Coupled to like car (275' minimum)

279'

85 m

Coupled to 40' base car (275' minimum)

276'

84.12 m
Illustration and specifications courtesy The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

Center Partition Railcar
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Use

  • Center partition railcars (also called centerbeam flatcars) are designed to transport lumber, plywood, building materials and other packaged products.

Key Features and Options

  • Decks are canted towards the center of the railcar and have floor risers suitable for packages without preattached dunnage.
  • A center partition runs the length of the railcar. Packaged products can be secured to this partition.
  • Products can be loaded from either side of the car.

Notes

  • Different railcar manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for different container and stacking configurations.
  • Weight and capacity data are a function of railcar manufacturer, railcar model, and rail system requirements.
  • The following Dimensions, Weight/Capacity, and Curve Negotiability Radius data are valid for the Greenbrier Center Partition Car.

Dimensions

Length, between bulkheads

73' 0"

22.25 m

Length, over couplers

80' 61/2"

24.55 m

Length, over strikers

75' 9"

23.09 m

Width, over floor side sills

9' 0"

2.74 m

Width, over floor risers

9' 33/8"

2.83 m

Width, extreme (over winch ratchet gears)

9' 85/8"

2.96 m

Clear bundle height (nominal)

11' 5"

3.48 m

Height, top of rail to top of riser

3' 91/4"

1.15 m

Height, maximum

15' 53/4"

4.72 m

Truck centers

60' 0"

18.29 m

Length of risers

4' 1"

1.24 m

Weight/Capacity

Light weight

61,000 lbs

27,669 kg

Load capacity

225,000 lbs

102,058 kg

Gross rail load

286,000 lbs

129,727 kg

Curve Negotiability Radius

Uncoupled

180'

54.86 m

Coupled to like car

218'

66.45 m

Coupled to 40' base car

276'

84.12 m
Illustration and specifications courtesy The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

Auto Carrier
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Use

  • Autocarriers are designed to transport automobiles from and to automobile manufacturing plants, ocean import/export facilities, and distribution centers. Rail auto carriers are the most efficient way to transport large numbers of automobiles long distances by land.
  • Motor vehicles transported include passenger automobiles, SUVs, pickups and minivans.

Features and Options

  • Autocarriers feature adjustable decks that can be moved to bi-level or tri-level to accommodate automotive industry model changes.
  • Interior ladders to prevent roof access.

Notes

  • Different railcar manufacturers worldwide produce a variety of models designed for different container and stacking configurations.
  • Weight and capacity data are a function of railcar manufacturer, railcar model, and rail system requirements.
  • The following Dimensions, Weight/Capacity, and Curve Negotiability Radius data are valid for the Greenbrier Auto-Max II®.

Dimensions (approximate)

Overall length of 2-unit car, over couplers

145' 4"

44.30 m

Overall length, inside

141' 31/4"

43.06 m

Width, outside at center of units

10' 0"

3.05 m

Width, outside, extreme at end of cars

10' 8"

3.25 m

Width, inside, between side posts

9' 31/2"

2.83 m

Width, clearance at doorways

8' 5"

2.57 m

Height, extreme (maximum)

20' 2"

6.15 m

Truck centers

64' 0"

19.5 m

Weight/Capacity (estimated)

Based on 44,346 lb end trucks and 58,451 lb intermediate truck lightweight

Light weight

148,000 lbs

67,132 kg

Net capacity (starred)

112,000 lbs

50,802 kg

Gross rail load

260,000 lbs

117,934 kg

Curve Negotiability Radius

Uncoupled (horizontal)

180'

54.86 m

Coupled to like car

245'

74.68 m

Coupled to 40' base car

299'

91.14 m

Uncoupled (vertical)

1250'

381 m
Illustration and specifications courtesy The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.