The autorack is a multi-deck enclosed car designed exclusively to transport finished automobiles and light trucks from assembly plants to regional distribution centers. The enclosed steel rack structure protects vehicles from weather, vandalism, and road debris during transit. Modern enclosed autoracks replaced the older open-rack designs in the 1980s after widespread vandalism problems. Tri-level racks carry compact and mid-size cars; bi-level racks carry full-size trucks, SUVs, and vans with greater height requirements.
Three-deck enclosed rack for passenger cars and smaller vehicles with limited interior height; maximum vehicle height approximately 5'5".
Two-deck enclosed rack for full-size pickups, SUVs, and vans; accommodates vehicles up to approximately 7'0" in height.
Current industry-standard design with full-height corrugated steel side panels and end doors to prevent vandalism and weather damage.
Autoracks operate in dedicated unit trains directly from assembly plants to regional vehicle distribution centers (VDCs), where finished vehicles are off-loaded for final dealer delivery by truck transporter.