examples of freight cars [2]![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
The shape of the cars varies depending on the type of cargo being transported.
depressed-center flat car ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Car with two extra trucks and a lowered deck for carrying heavy equipment.
gondola car ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Open-top car for carrying heavy bulk material, such as scrap metal and construction material.
bulkhead flat car ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Flat car with sturdy plates at each end for carrying loose cargo (usually logs).
hopper ore car ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Usually open-top hopper car of limited capacity for carrying minerals.
hard top gondola ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Gondola with of a retractable metal roof for carrying bulk cargo.
flat car ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Car with a simple wooden deck for carrying large objects, such as pipes, logs and heavy machinery.
container car ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Flat car for carrying standard-size shipping boxes.
automobile car ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Multilevel car for carrying vehicles, which are strapped down.
wood chip car ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Open-top gondola car with a large compartment for carrying wood chips.