Essential Terminology for the Auto Transport Industry

What is Auto Rack?

Auto racks are a vital component of the auto transport industry, offering a specialized solution for efficiently moving automobiles and light trucks from manufacturers to dealerships or distribution centers. These dedicated rail cars are designed to transport vehicles over long distances securely and safely, ensuring they reach their destinations in optimal condition.

Types of Auto racks

• Open Auto racks are the most common type, featuring an open design with multiple levels for vehicles to be loaded and secured.
• Enclosed Auto racks: Some have an enclosed design to shield vehicles from the elements during transit.

Capacity and Design:

• Auto racks are typically designed with bi-level or tri-level configurations to maximize the number of vehicles transported in a single rail car.
• Each level of an auto rack is equipped with ramps or doors for easy loading and unloading of vehicles.
• The design of auto racks prioritizes space efficiency while ensuring the safety and security of the vehicles being transported.

Loading and Securing Vehicles:

• Vehicles are loaded onto auto racks either by driving them onto the rail car or using specialized equipment such as car carriers.
• Once loaded, vehicles are secured using various mechanisms such as wheel chocks, straps, and ratchets to prevent shifting during transit.

Safety Features:

• Auto racks have safety features such as sturdy side panels, wheel stops, and secure tie-down points to prevent vehicle damage and ensure they remain in place during transportation.
• Regular maintenance and inspections are conducted to ensure structural integrity and safety of auto racks.

Manufacturers and Industry Impact:

• Some of the leading manufacturers of auto racks include Greenbrier, Trinity Rail, and GATX; these are some of the experts in manufacturing rail cars with a specific focus on auto racks.
• Auto racks have contributed to the ease of transportation of automobiles, which, in turn, has contributed to cutting down the overall emission of greenhouse gases since it has adopted the use of rail transport over long distances.

Thus, it is safe to conclude that auto racks are a valuable facility for furthering the development of the auto industry. They are beneficial for moving automobiles across huge distances without risk or significant extra costs.