Covered Hoppers

Commodities: Cement, Roofing Granules, Sand

Small  Covered Hopper 
Feature Attribute
Outlet Gates Unloads bulk commodities by gravity
Bay Shape Interior bay shape allows product to discharge using gravity
Hatch Covers/Round Design Airtight round hatches reduces exposure to the elements and dust contamination
Hatch Covers/Trough Design Airtight trough hatches run the entire length of the car for flexibility when loading product
Outlets Gates/Bays 2 compartments per car
Cubic Capacity Range from 2,900 to 3,200 cu. ft.
Gross Weight on Rail Range from 263,000 to 286,000 lbs.
Load Limit Range from 207,000 to 233,000 lbs.

Commodities: Corn, Wheat, Barley, Fertilizer, Soda Ash

Large Covered Hopper
FeatureAttribute
Outlet GatesUnloads bulk commodities by gravity
Bay ShapeInterior bay shape allows product to discharge using gravity
Hatch Covers/Round DesignAirtight round hatches reduces exposure to the elements and dust contamination
Hatch Covers/Trough DesignAirtight trough hatches run the entire length of the car for flexibility when loading product
Outlets Gates/Bays3 compartments per car
Cubic CapacityRange from 4,600 to 5,200 cu. ft.
Gross Weight on RailRange from 263,000 to 286,000 lbs.
Load LimitRange from 197,000 to 224,000 lbs.

Commodities: Sugar, Rice

Food-Grade Large Covered Hopper
Feature Attribute
Lined Interior For smooth discharge of product
Double Outlet Gates To reduce exposure to contamination
Bay Shape Interior bay shape allows product to discharge using gravity
Hatch Covers/Round Design Airtight round hatches reduces exposure to the elements and dust contamination
Hatch Covers/Trough Design Airtight trough hatches run the entire length of the car for flexibility when loading product
Gravity Pneumatic Outlet Gates Option to unload via conventional sliding gate or gravity pneumatic
Bays 3 per car; gravity or gravity pneumatic
Cubic Capacity Range from 4,600 to 5,200 cu. ft.
Gross Weight on Rail Range from 263,000 to 286,000 lbs.
Load Limit Range from 197,000 to 222,000 lbs.

Covered Hoppers Comparison

 SmallLargeFood-Grade
Capacity (cu. ft.)2,900 - 3,200 cu. ft.4,600 - 5,200 cu. ft.4,600 - 5,200 cu. ft.
Capacity (lbs.)263,000 - 286,000 lbs.263,000 - 286,000 lbs.263,000 - 286,000 lbs.
Car Length42 ft.60 - 65 ft.60 - 65 ft.
Max Height15.5 ft.15.5 ft.15.5 ft.
No. of Compartments233 - 4
Loading Hatch TypesCircular or TroughCircular or TroughCircular or Trough
Hatch AlignmentCentered or Off-CenterCentered or Off-CenterCenter or Off-Center
Gate TypesGravity OnlyGravity OnlyGravity Pneumatic
No. of Gates233-4
Gate Sizes13" x 24" or
13" x 42"
24" x 30" or
13" x 43 3/4"
13" x 42" or
30" x 30"
Gate Spacing11' 10" - 14' 10"12' 6" - 15' 3"15' 10"

Loading and Unloading

Contact our Shipment Quality Engineers for planning assistance with loading or unloading.