The Greenbrier Companies (GBX) in the US has completed the production of its 50,000th covered hopper railcar, which serves an integral role in North American freight movement operations.
The company previously announced the production of the 100,000th intermodal double stack railcar in February.
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Greenbrier began manufacturing the covered hopper railcar unit more than 11 years ago.
The company currently manufactures a full line of small, medium and large covered hopper railcars featuring freight carrying capacities ranging from 3,250ft3 to 6,580ft3.
The covered hoppers are used to carry different varieties of dry bulk such as agricultural products, plastics and chemicals and non-metallic minerals.
Greenbrier has made significant advancements in covered hopper technology in order to improve the efficiency of freight movement via rail transport.
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By GlobalDataThe company also recently introduced two new medium covered hopper railcar designs.
The lighter railcar will be used to transport agricultural products and has a carrying capacity of 5,446ft3, with a length of 56ft and a weight of roughly 59,500lb.
Additionally, Greenbrier's other new railcar has been designed to carry heavy agricultural products. It is 54ft-long, weighs 58,700lb and features a carrying capacity of approximately 5,100ft3.
The new improved covered hopper railcars also feature an updated roofline that enhances loading and unloading access for increased transloading efficiency.
The Greenbrier Companies Commercial and Leasing executive vice-president Mark Rittenbaum said: “Our latest covered hopper railcars are best in class. Both feature a recent patent-pending design for reduced weight.
“We are focused on increasing cubic capacity and reducing length and weight in all Greenbrier covered hopper designs.”
Image: Greenbrier's 5446ft3 medium covered hopper car. Photo: courtesy of PRNewsFot / The Greenbrier Companies Inc.
