A closed-top hopper car with roof hatches for top loading and bottom discharge gates for gravity unloading, designed for dry bulk commodities such as grain, fertilizer, plastic pellets, and cement. Covered hoppers protect lading from moisture and contamination. They are the most numerous car type on North American railroads.
A hopper car with an open top for loading by conveyor or chute and bottom gates for discharge, used primarily for bulk commodities that do not require weather protection such as coal, aggregate, and ore. Open hoppers are heavier-duty than covered hoppers and are built to handle dense, abrasive materials. They dominate the coal and aggregates markets.
A covered hopper car that uses differential air pressure to unload fine dry bulk commodities such as cement, flour, or fly ash through a pneumatic conveyor system. Air is introduced beneath the fluidized bed of material and carries it through discharge pipes to receiving silos. Pressure differential cars eliminate the need for mechanical unloading equipment at the destination.
An enclosed rectangular railcar with sliding side doors, used for transporting general commodities that require protection from weather, including packaged goods, paper, lumber, and auto parts. Boxcars are the most versatile car type in the fleet and are used across virtually all industries. They are available in standard and high-cube configurations.
An open-top car with fixed sides and ends, used for heavy bulk commodities such as scrap metal, steel coils, pipe, and coal. Gondolas are loaded from the top and typically unloaded by crane, magnet, or rotary dumper. Coil gondolas have a curved floor to cradle steel coils securely.