Supplying factories
Automobile manufacturing depends on steel, parts, plastics, glass, chemicals, and other materials. Railroads have long helped move bulk inputs and components.
Moving finished vehicles
Early automobiles could be shipped in boxcars. Specialized multilevel autoracks later allowed many vehicles to move efficiently in one railcar.
Assembly networks
Automotive manufacturing uses complex supply chains connecting parts suppliers, assembly plants, distribution centers, railroads, and trucking companies.
Modern traffic
Autorack trains remain one of the most visible ways railroads participate in the consumer economy.