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