A covered hopper, regardless of its specific size or capacity, typically has a maximum height of 15.5 feet. This standardized height helps ensure compatibility with railway infrastructure, including tunnels and bridges, across various routes.
Covered hoppers are a crucial type of freight car designed to transport dry bulk commodities that need protection from the elements, such as grain, sand, cement, and plastic pellets. While their height remains consistent, other dimensions like length and the number of compartments can vary based on their intended use and capacity.
Covered Hopper Specifications
To better understand the dimensions of these essential railcars, here's a comparison of common covered hopper types:
| Specification | Small Covered Hopper | Large Covered Hopper |
|---|---|---|
| Car Length | 42 ft. | 60 - 65 ft. |
| Max Height | 15.5 ft. | 15.5 ft. |
| No. of Compartments | 2 | 3 |
| Loading Hatch Types | Circular or Trough | Circular or Trough |
As shown in the table, while the length can differ significantly (from 42 feet for smaller models up to 65 feet for larger ones), the maximum height is maintained at 15.5 feet for both. This consistency in height is vital for safe and efficient rail operations.
Design Features
Key design features that contribute to the function and standardized height of covered hoppers include:
- Roofs and Hatches: These cars are equipped with a roof and loading hatches (either circular or trough-style) to protect the cargo from weather, contamination, and loss during transit.
- Gravity Unloading: They feature sloped interior walls and multiple discharge gates at the bottom, allowing for gravity-assisted unloading of their contents.
- Versatility: Their design makes them versatile for transporting a wide range of free-flowing, granular materials.
Understanding the dimensions of covered hoppers, particularly their consistent height, is fundamental to logistics and infrastructure planning within the rail industry. For more detailed information on specific rail equipment, you can refer to resources from major rail operators like Union Pacific.
