The depressed center flatcar has end decks at normal rail-car height with a center section significantly lower, typically 12 to 18 inches below the end sections. This configuration reduces the overall height of tall loads, allowing them to pass under bridges, overhead catenary, and tunnel portals that would otherwise be clearance-restrictive. Depressed center flatcars are used for electrical transformers, large industrial machines, and other tall heavy loads. They are often paired with multi-axle bogies to spread the concentrated weight over more rail.
Four-axle car with a single depressed center section; typical capacity 250,000-280,000 lbs for power equipment.
Six to twenty axle configurations for extreme payloads above 300,000 lbs; special clearance authority required for each movement.
Depressed center flatcars are essential for moving large power transformers from factories to utility substations and for transporting industrial equipment that is too tall to ride on a standard flatcar.