flatcars

A flatcar is a type of railroad freight car with a flat, level deck and no permanent sides or roof. It is designed to carry long, heavy, or bulky loads that do not fit easily in enclosed cars or require loading from the sides or ends.

Design and variants: Standard flatcars have a wide, unobstructed deck and may include removable stakes along the sides to help support cargo such as lumber or pipes. Lowboy or step-deck variants have a lowered section to accommodate taller loads, while heavy-duty flatcars feature stronger frames and more axles for higher payloads. For intermodal use, container flats or well cars are used to transport shipping containers, with well cars lowering the container into a recessed space for stability. Some flats include locking mechanisms and dedicated tie-down points; others use external stakes or flip-up ramps for loading equipment.

Loading and securing: Loads are typically loaded from the ends or sides using cranes, forklifts, or ramps. Cargo must be secured with chains, straps, or clamps and arranged to avoid shifting during transit, following specific weight and lashings requirements.

Usage and history: Flatcars have been a common form of rail freight equipment since the 19th century and remain essential for transporting oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped cargo such as machinery, construction equipment, long beams, vehicles, and intermodal containers. They are used worldwide and vary in dimensions, capacity, and features to suit national rail standards and the nature of the cargo.