What a flatcar does
A flatcar provides an open platform for freight that does not need an enclosed body. Machinery, steel products, vehicles, military equipment, transformers and oversized loads can all move on specialized flatcar designs.
How to identify one
Look for a low open deck with little or no permanent side structure. Stakes, tie-down points, bulkheads, depressed centers or special cradles may be added for a particular type of cargo.
Common variations
Standard flatcars have a mostly level deck. Depressed-center cars lower the load between the trucks to gain vertical clearance. Bulkhead flatcars add tall end walls. Centerbeam cars add a tall structure down the middle.
Why flatcars are so varied
Flatcars are adaptable because the deck can be engineered around unusual cargo. That makes them a useful starting point for many purpose-built freight-car families.
Spotter shortcut
Use the Freight Car Identification Tool Browse all rolling stock
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