Boxcar: meaning, definitions and examples
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boxcar
[ ˈbɒksˌkɑːr ]
rail transportation
A boxcar is a type of freight rail car that is enclosed and is used to transport goods. Unlike open freight cars, boxcars provide protection from weather and theft. Typically, they have sliding doors on the sides or ends to allow for easy loading and unloading. Boxcars are used for a wide variety of shipments, including packaged goods, raw materials, and automobiles. Their design allows them to be loaded easily at stations or loading docks.
Synonyms
cargo car, freight car.
Examples of usage
- The boxcar was filled with supplies for the store.
- They loaded the boxcar with fresh produce.
- The train's progress was delayed due to problems with a boxcar.
- She watched as the empty boxcar rolled into the freight yard.
Translations
Translations of the word "boxcar" in other languages:
🇵🇹 vagão de carga
🇮🇳 बॉक्सकार
🇩🇪 Frachtwagen
🇮🇩 gerbong barang
🇺🇦 вантажний вагон
🇵🇱 wagen towarowy
🇯🇵 貨車
🇫🇷 wagon de marchandises
🇪🇸 vagón de carga
🇹🇷 yük vagonu
🇰🇷 화물차
🇸🇦 عربة شحن
🇨🇿 nákladní vůz
🇸🇰 nákladný vozeň
🇨🇳 货车
🇸🇮 tovorni vagon
🇮🇸 farmagagn
🇰🇿 жүк вагоны
🇬🇪 ტვირთული ვაგონი
🇦🇿 yük vaqonu
🇲🇽 vagón de carga
Etymology
The term 'boxcar' originated in the United States in the early 19th century. The word 'box' reflects the car's enclosed shape, while 'car' refers to the carriage used on railroads. Boxcars became common with the expansion of the railway system, particularly during the Civil War when there was an increased need for transporting goods across the nation. Initially, they were fashioned from wood, but as technology evolved, metal and steel became the preferred materials. The design of boxcars has gone through various modifications over the years, evolving to include features like insulation for temperature-sensitive goods and specialized loading designs. By the end of the 20th century, boxcars played a crucial role in the logistics and transportation industries, forming a backbone for freight shipping in North America.