bi-Level train car specifications for shipping intermodal and automotive equipment.

INTERMODAL & AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT

Norfolk Southern partners with you to make the equipment process easy. The below guide outlines the main intermodal containers and automotive railcars we provide for our intermodal and automotive customers, including detailed specifications for each item. Note: specifications may vary over time as older equipment ages out and new equipment is added to our fleet.

Looking for equipment beyond what is used for intermodal and automotive shipments? Visit our Norfolk Southern Railcar Guide.  For more information about equipment, visit our main Equipment Center.

To discuss select features of these equipment types, or equipment needs beyond the main options listed below, please reach out to your marketing representative.

INTERMODAL CONTAINERS

INTERMODAL SPECIFICATIONS

Trailer and container sizes and types vary, and customers can use their own or rent equipment from Norfolk Southern. Get specifications for the equipment your business will use on the Norfolk Southern network.

AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT

Automotive manufacturers can select among bi-level, tri-level and uni-level railcars, depending on the type and height of vehicles to be transported. Additional equipment options may be available and can be discussed with your Marketing Representative.

UNI-LEVEL CARS

Uni-level railcars are fully-enclosed and have a single deck design for transportation of very large vehicles. In standard equipment configuration, these railcars can carry up to 2-4 vehicles inside.

Note: The below are sample representative specifications.

Clearance CodePlate J
Inside Length (ft)81'6"                     
Inside Width (ft)                10'0"             
Outside Length (ft)86'2"
OutsideWidth (ft)10'8"
Outside Height (ft)18'6"
Tare Weight (lbs.)88,300
Load Limit (lbs.)131,700
Gross Weight on Rail (GWR, lbs.) 220,000
Draft GearCushioning at end of railcar
Deck ConfigurationUni-level(single deck)
Deck HeightsNot applicable
Loading Factor4-6
Other Features 

BI-LEVEL CARS

Bi-level railcars are fully-enclosed and accommodate two decks of vehicles inside, including SUVs and trucks. In standard equipment configurations, these railcars can carry up to 12 vehicles inside.

bi-Level train car specifications for shipping intermodal and automotive equipment.

Note: The below are sample representative specifications.

Clearance CodePlate J
Inside Length (ft)89'4"                     
Inside Width (ft)                9'10"             
Outside Length (ft)93'10"
OutsideWidth (ft)10'7"
Outside Height (ft)19'0"
Tare Weight (lbs.)98,700
Load Limit (lbs.)98,900
Gross Weight on Rail (GWR, lbs.) 176,500
Draft GearCushioning at end of railcar
Deck ConfigurationBi-level (two decks)
Deck Heights

87" to 89" Adeck, 94'10"

B deck (Ais bottom deck,

B is top deck)

Loading Factor8 to 10 VIN'S
Other Features 

TRI-LEVEL CARS

These railcars include three decks of vehicles in a fully-enclosed space. In standard equipment configuration, tri-level railcars are best for smaller products, and can hold up to 14-15 vehicles.

Tri Level train car for shipping equipment

Note: The below are sample representative specifications.

Clearance CodePlate J
Inside Length (ft)89'4"                     
Inside Width (ft)                9'10"             
Outside Length (ft)93'8"
OutsideWidth (ft)10'8"
Outside Height (ft)19'0"
Tare Weight (lbs.)98,700
Load Limit (lbs.)74,000
Gross Weight on Rail (GWR, lbs.) 179,200
Draft GearCushioning at end of railcar
Deck ConfigurationTri-level (three decks)
Deck Heights

62" A deck, 61'10" B

deck,65'9" C deck (A

is bottom deck,

C is top deck)

Loading Factor14-16
Other Features 

BOX CARS

The primary boxcar type offered to Norfolk Southern customers is a 60-foot, plate F, double-door boxcar.

Norfolk Southern boxcar for shipping automotive parts

Note: The below are sample representative specifications.

Clearance CodePlate F
Inside Length (ft)60'9"                         
Inside Width (ft)                9'6"               
Inside Height (ft)13'
Outside Length (ft)68'5"
Outside Width (ft)10'8"
Outside Height (ft)17'
Tare Weight (lbs.)82,500
Load Limit (lbs.)203,500
Cubic Capacity (cuft)7,550
Gross Weight on Rail (GWR, lbs.) 286,000
Draft GearMostly cushioning at end of railcar
Floor TypeNailable steel
AnchorsWall and floor anchors
Door Type Double 8' plug doors
Door Width (ft)16'
Door Height (ft)12'4''
Other Features 

89’ FRAME FLAT RAILCAR

The automotive flat railcar features a flat floor with no side or roof for transporting automotive frames that do not require protection from the weather.

89’ Frame Flat Railcar for shipping intermodal & automotive equipment

Note: The below are sample representative specifications.

Clearance CodePlate G
Inside Length (ft)84'9"                     
Inside Width (ft)                9'0"             
Outside Length (ft)93'11"
OutsideWidth (ft)9'3"
Outside Height (ft)6'3"
Tare Weight (lbs.)67,500
Load Limit (lbs.)157,400
Gross Weight on Rail (GWR, lbs.) 220,000
Draft GearCushioning at end of railcar or none
Floor TypeSteel
Deck Configuration

 

Equipped with appurtenance

for transportation of frames

Other Features 

More Resources for Automotive and Intermodal

Equipment Overview

Get an overview and introduction to everything you need to know about equipment for shipping by rail.

Loading & Securement Solutions

Find details, plans, and contact information for loading and securing your freight.

Intermodal Equipment Damage

Procedures for intermodal equipment maintenance, damage, repair and loss.

Ship Automotive Parts or Vehicles

Learn more about Norfolk Southern solutions for shipping finished vehicles or automotive parts.

Ship Intermodal Containers

Explore our extensive intermodal logistics solutions to ensure your containers are shipped safely, reliably, and efficiently.