What an open hopper does
Open hoppers carry bulk material that does not require weather protection. Coal, stone, aggregates and similar commodities are common examples, although service varies by railroad and car design.
How to identify one
Look for an open top and a body that narrows into one or more sloped bays underneath. Discharge gates beneath those bays are the strongest visual clue. The sloped interior funnels material toward the outlets.
Open hopper vs. gondola
Both have open tops. The key difference is the floor and unloading system: an open hopper has sloped bays and bottom outlets, while a gondola more often has a flatter floor and fixed sides.
Open hopper vs. covered hopper
A covered hopper uses the same basic gravity-unloading idea but adds a roof and loading hatches to protect dry bulk cargo from rain and contamination.
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