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August 2026
Compiled by Bridget Dean, Senior Associate Editor
The Greenbrier Cos. continues to advance automotive rail transportation through autorack solutions designed to improve operational flexibility, vehicle protection and loading efficiency. The company’s current portfolio is led by the Multi-Max™ and Multi-Max Plus™ platforms, complemented by the Auto-Max II® design.
Developed in collaboration with major railroads and automotive manufacturers, the Multi-Max offers the versatility of both bi- and tri-level configurations without the need to add or remove decks, Greenbrier officials said in an email. Its adjustable deck system can be reconfigured directly at loading facilities, reducing downtime while helping shippers respond more quickly to changing vehicle mixes, they said.
The rail car is fully compatible with existing bi- and tri-level fleets and incorporates Greenbrier’s patented door system, which is designed to help reduce theft and vandalism by restricting access to the rack interior and roof.
The Multi-Max Plus builds on that flexibility with a design optimized for the growing market of high-profile pickups, sport utility vehicles and vans. Featuring a 20-foot, 2-inch hinging deck, it can be configured as either a bi-level or low bi-level car, allowing on-site adjustments that improve fleet utilization and loading efficiency, Greenbrier officials said.
Like the Multi-Max, it features Greenbrier’s patented security-focused door design and is fully compatible with existing bi-level fleets.
Completing the company’s portfolio, the Auto-Max II remains a trusted solution with its articulated two-unit design, configurable bi-level and tri-level layouts and enhanced security features, including tight-sealing composite doors and concealed access ladders, Greenbrier officials said.
Wabtec Corp. provides a wide selection of autorack rail-car products designed to secure and protect vehicles in transit. This includes an end door anti-theft device that precludes unwarranted entry, helping to prevent vehicle theft and vandalism. It is mounted midway up on the end door and requires a special extension with a proprietary tool to disengage, Wabtec officials said.
The company offers an unconditionally approved Sta-Put™ bi-level chock and grate. The Sta-Put is the only chock that incorporates an intermediate height setting to accommodate the tighter clearances of tri-level product being shipped on bi-levels, according to Wabtec. It is also fully field repairable compared to models that must be sent in for reconditioning.
Also unconditionally approved is Wabtec’s grate retainer, which is designed to eliminate small sections of grate from being compromised and eliminate associated recurring repair. Wabtec’s tri-level chock offerings include the unconditionally approved LoPro II and Hybrid. The LoPro II is the only non-metallic chock offering in the industry, company officials said.
Wabtec also has developed a high-capacity offset bridge plate/hinge to address the loading of wide or narrow wheelbase vehicles. The offset hinge can be supplied for retrofit applications to current in-service bridge plates.
Wabtec’s parts catalog includes many repair/replacement products for all end doors, including newer composite end doors like the operating rod splice, keepers/supports and panel repair/parts for pre-trip locations versus bad ordering rail cars.
Autorack loading is a critical step in vehicle transportation, but poor visibility inside enclosed rail cars can make the job harder, slower and riskier. Workers often depend on limited yard lighting, small wall perforations or handheld flashlights to guide vehicles through narrow rail-car interiors.
In low-light conditions, shadows and blind spots can increase the risk of vehicle damage, slow loading and create unnecessary safety concerns, International Name Plate Supplies Ltd. (INPS) officials said. So, the company has developed its modular LED Autorack Lighting System to address that challenge.
Designed specifically for autorack cars, the INPS system provides bright, evenly distributed interior lighting where crews need it most, company officials said. Strategic placement of modular LED lights helps reduce dark spots, improve visibility and support more accurate vehicle alignment during loading and unloading.
The benefits are practical and immediate: safer working conditions, improved efficiency, better vehicle positioning and less reliance on temporary lighting or handheld flashlights, INPS officials said. With improved illumination, crews can work with greater confidence while helping reduce the potential for costly contact with rail-car structures.
The system is flexible for a variety of rail and automotive environments and can be powered by either a mobile generator or a standard electrical receptacle, making it a practical solution for facilities across North America, INPS officials said.
The LED Autorack Lighting System reflects INPS’ commitment to practical engineering, worker safety and smarter rail operations, they added.
As automotive manufacturers continue to seek greater efficiency, vehicle protection and supply chain reliability, TrinityRail remains at the forefront of the North American autorack market, company officials said. TrinityRail offers a wide portfolio of autorack solutions designed to help automotive customers transport vehicles safely while improving loading efficiency, reducing damage and enhancing the experience of workers throughout the distribution process.
A cornerstone of the company’s offerings is its innovative Hourglass® Autorack, which features expanded interior width that provides additional space around vehicles during loading and unloading, TrinityRail officials said. The design improves crew accessibility, helps reduce challenging body positions and lowers the potential for vehicle damage such as door and fender dings — key concerns for automakers and logistics providers. Certain configurations can also increase vehicle capacity, creating meaningful transportation efficiencies for customers, TrinityRail officials said.
Complementing the Hourglass® platform are TrinityRail’s bi-level, tri-level and HiTop™ autorack offerings, all engineered to accommodate evolving vehicle mixes while delivering safe and reliable performance through such features as its SealSafe Radial Door®.
Beyond manufacturing, TrinityRail aims to distinguish itself through a full lifecycle approach that includes the RECERTPLUS® maintenance and recertification program, extensive aftermarket support and a growing portfolio of vehicle securement and protection products.
Through TrinityRail Parts & Components and Holden America, the company provides industry-leading doors, restraint systems, chocks and damage-prevention technologies that help keep autoracks operating at peak performance, company officials said.
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