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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