Why the roof matters
Unlike an open hopper, a covered hopper has a roof with loading hatches. That keeps moisture-sensitive dry bulk commodities protected during transport.
How it unloads
The car body slopes toward discharge gates underneath. Gravity lets the load flow out through those outlets into pits, conveyors or other receiving systems.
What covered hoppers carry
Common loads include grain, cement, flour, fertilizer, sugar, salt and plastic pellets. Different cars are optimized for different densities and unloading systems.
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