Use of Covered Wagons for Cargo Transportation by Rail

Covered wagons are railway cars that have not only end and side walls but also a roof. This type of rolling stock is used for transporting goods that may be damaged by atmospheric precipitation. Additionally, the design of the covered wagon protects railway cargo from damage and theft.

What is Transported in Covered Wagons

Any cargo that does not exceed the useful volume of the wagon and can be loaded through its sliding door, which is 2.7 meters wide, can be sent in covered wagons. Valuable goods and cargo that can be damaged by rain, snow, or sun are sent in such wagons.

Covered railway wagons are classified into:

• Those that can carry any cargo; in this case, they are called universal. Universal wagons transport goods packed in boxes, bags, and also bulk cargo. They carry various household appliances, industrial equipment, fertilizers, flour, etc. Sometimes such wagons are converted into passenger cars for transporting people. In the latter case, the wagon is equipped with bunks and ventilation and heating systems.
• For transporting goods that require special transportation conditions, special covered wagons are used. Special wagons include those for transporting paper and metal in rolls, which require special fastening. They also include car carriers, livestock carriers, and wagons for other cargo that requires special equipment.

Design and Characteristics of Covered Wagons

The outer walls of modern covered wagons are made of metal, but old wagons with wooden walls are still in use. The inner walls of modern wagons are lined with plywood, with a thickness ranging from 8 millimeters to 1 centimeter. The ceiling is covered with fibreboard or sprayed with polyurethane foam. The floor is covered with boards. A standard covered wagon has a useful volume of 120 cubic meters.

In the most modern covered wagons, the useful volume has increased to 140 cubic meters. In these wagons, not only the ceiling but also the inner walls are covered with polyurethane foam. At the same time, the width of the sliding door has been increased to almost four meters.

What Affects the Cost of Transportation by Covered Wagon and How to Save if Such Transport is Required Frequently

The cost of transportation by rail depends on the type of wagon, the weight and volume of the transported goods, the distance of transportation, and transit customs fees if the cargo is transported across several countries. A one-time transportation will be relatively expensive.

If your company requires transportation by covered wagons on a regular basis, there is an option to rent such wagons for a certain period. In this case, the cost of one transportation will be significantly reduced.