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8/18/2025
Compiled by Bridget Dean, Senior Editor
For several decades, TrinityRail® has focused on providing innovative products for the transportation of finished vehicles by rail. The company has been at the forefront of providing conventional bi- and tri-level autoracks to meet the needs of automotive manufacturers and has provided the majority of autoracks in service in North America today, company officials said in an email.
However, the market continues to evolve. This is not only noticeable in the ongoing need for products to support rising demand for light trucks, passenger vans and higher-profile vehicles, but also in the need to find ways to reduce damage and vandalism while offering a better environment for workers operating inside the autorack itself, TrinityRail officials said.
The Hourglass® autorack optimizes interior width for much of the length of the car. This promotes improved ergonomics and operational efficiencies inside the autorack while enhancing damage prevention and operator safety, TrinityRail officials said.
There is also an ongoing need to provide maintenance, general repair and recertifications to the existing autorack fleet through efforts such as TrinityRail’s RecertPlus® program. Conversion programs are also available to reconfigure autoracks to better meet current demand.
A robust line of replacement parts is available from TrinityRail, including the Seal Safe Radial Door™ that offers enhanced security to prevent unauthorized access. Also available are the leading securement products of Holden America that are in daily service on every major freight railroad in North America.
Founded in 1909, Holden America has a long-standing position as an industry leader in offering high performance, multi-level vehicle securement and protection systems, TrinityRail officials said.
Rail cars carrying sensitive lading — such as automobiles — require the best protection from freight yard impacts and in-train jostling. Amsted Rail Co.’s 1/9 Active Draft Cushioning Units are designed to maintain compression at all times, providing optimal protection against both the draft and buff stresses cars experience whenever the train stops or goes, company officials said.
Unlike a standard cushioning unit, which is metal-on-metal with a neutral position that is fully extended, the Active Draft Cushioning Unit features polymer pads that stop the unit short. That allows for travel available in both the buff and draft directions, protecting the rail car and lading from both in-train shocks and yard impacts, Amsted officials said.
This design provides many benefits over other end-of-car cushioning options, including less stress on knuckles and less opportunity for undesired events, they added.
The Active Draft Cushioning Unit from Amsted can provide the protection needed to ensure sensitive lading gets to its destination without incident.
As the transportation industry places greater emphasis on sustainability, safety and efficiency, autorack rail-car design is adapting to meet these evolving demands. Greenbrier’s Multi-Max Plus™ embodies this progress, company officials said.
As a bi-level auto rack, it supports modern vehicle logistics while contributing to reduced emissions and enhanced operational performance, they said.
Developed in collaboration with major railroads and automotive stakeholders, the Multi-Max Plus™ features a hinged deck engineered to accommodate high-profile vans and trucks. This functionality improves efficiency at loading sites, reduces dwell time and supports better utilization of fleet assets — helping railroads and shippers meet the evolving demands of automotive logistics, Greenbrier officials said.
A major driver behind the design is environmental performance. Compared to truck transport, the Multi-Max Plus™ helps cut diesel consumption by an estimated 3.5 million gallons per year and reduces CO2e emissions by more than 41,000 metric tons. The design offers notable gains in fuel savings and carbon reduction, Greenbrier officials said.
The rail car’s aerodynamic build and precision connections also contribute to better energy performance. These features improve airflow and minimize drag, while supporting modern safety standards and stability during long-haul service, company officials said.
Greenbrier’s approach to auto rack innovation illustrates how rail-car design can play a pivotal role in sustainable freight movement. By aligning engineering improvements with industry input, the Multi-Max Plus™ stands as a practical example of how transportation infrastructure can evolve to meet today’s environmental and operational demands, Greenbrier officials said.
National Steel Car Ltd. (NSC) designs and manufactures autoracks and freight cars with a commitment to quality and attention to customer needs. NSC’s cars are engineered and built for endurance against the tests of time and the elements, with industry-leading innovation to maintain long-term value, company officials said.
To prolong car life and enhance value for the total cost of ownership, NSC autoracks are built with corrosion-resistant materials and feature patented, closed-section deck stringers to eliminate water trapping. They employ tri-fold doors that reduce overall weight while enhancing security and sealing.
NSC autoracks showcase intricately engineered details to boost aerodynamics and support greater train efficiencies, company officials said. Industry-maximum interior width allows for ease of operation during loading and unloading.
They are equipped with standard chocks, roof panels and side screens. NSC autoracks are built on 89-foot, 4-inch low-level flat cars and are available in bi- and tri-level configurations.
NSC is ISO 9001:2015 certified, a testament to its focus on quality, and its autoracks meet the requirements of AAR M-950, M-950A and M-956, company officials said. With over 100 years of focus on excellence and quality, the NSC team is committed to supporting the transportation needs of the automotive industry now and into the future, they added.
Email questions or comments to Bridget.Dean@tradepress.com.