how are cars loaded onto trains

Many people are aware that cars are transported from one location to another via trains. Trains are an affordable and efficient way of transporting goods, including vehicles. However, few people know how the cars are loaded onto the trains and transported to their various destinations. In this article, we will explore how cars are loaded onto trains.

The Types of Car Transport Trains

There are two types of trains used to transport cars, which are the single-level and bi-level trains. Single-level trains have only one level for carrying vehicles. Bi-level trains, on the other hand, have two levels where vehicles are loaded onto the upper level via ramps. Often, steel structures are mounted on both sides of the ramps to prevent cars and other vehicles from swaying sideways.

The Loading Process

When it comes to loading cars onto trains, a ramp is used to drive the vehicles onto the train. For bi-level trains, the cars are driven onto the upper level of the train as it has more space to accommodate more cars. While driving onto the train, drivers are instructed to pull their vehicles straight to avoid hitting other cars on the train. In some instances, the train may not be able to accommodate all the cars that need to be transported. When this happens, the train carries only the cars that it can accommodate and leaves the others to await the next train. Moreover, there are restrictions on the height of cars carried by train, which means that some cars may have to be excluded, especially high or oversized vehicles.

The Security of Cars on Trains

It is vital to keep the vehicles being transported from one place to another safe from damage or theft while on rail. Rail technicians ensure that the cars are well-secured to prevent them from moving while the train is moving. Certain forms of holding devices are used, or cars may be fitted with tire wedges to keep them tightly in place.Additionally, security personnel are in charge of safeguarding the trains from external theft. It is common for unscrupulous individuals to steal parts from new cars that are being transported on trains. The railway security team, therefore, conducts checks and inspection at different points along the railway line to ensure the cars carried by the train remain safe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, trains are a modern and efficient way of transporting vehicles from one place to another. While there are two types of trains used to transport vehicles, the loading process involves driving the vehicle onto the train using a ramp. The cars have to be well-secured while on the train using holding devices or wedges to prevent them from rolling around. The security of the trains is also vital to prevent theft. The rail technicians and security personnel work together to ensure that cars are transported safely and arrive at their destination intact.