Covered Railway Wagon (Box Car)
Versatile freight car for weather-sensitive and high-value cargo.
What is a Covered Wagon?
The **Covered Wagon**, commonly known as a **Box Car** in North America, is the primary vehicle for rail freight transport of weather-sensitive items. These wagons are fully enclosed with a roof and sides, featuring sliding or plug doors on each side to facilitate loading and unloading from platforms or using forklifts.
Covered wagons are used for a wide variety of commodities, including consumer electronics, palletized goods, paper rolls, furniture, and temperature-stable chemicals. In international rail transport (such as the Silk Road Eurasia route), these wagons are essential for ensuring that cargo remains dry and secure throughout long-distance journeys across diverse climates.
Standardized under international UIC (International Union of Railways) classifications, typically as **Type G** or **Type H**, these wagons offer a secure environment against theft and environmental damage, making them the preferred choice for high-value industrial freight.
[Side view diagram of a standard UIC 2-axle Covered Wagon with dimension markers for internal length and door width]
Technical Specifications (Standard 2-Axle)
Internal Length
41.0 ft (12.5 m)
Internal Width
8.8 ft (2.7 m)
Internal Height
9.2 ft (2.8 m)
Floor Area
355 ft² (33 m²)
Load Volume
3,250 ft³ (92 m³)
Max Payload
66,000 lbs (30 t)
Advantages of Rail Freight
- All-weather protection for dry cargo
- High security for long-distance transit
- Scalable for bulk palletized shipments
- Eco-friendly alternative to road transport
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