Flatcar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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flatcar
[ˈflæt.kɑːr ]
Definition
rail transport
A flatcar is a type of railway freight car that has a flat surface and no sides or roof. It is primarily used for transporting heavy goods and large items that cannot fit within the confines of a standard freight car.
Synonyms
flat freight car, flatbed, freight car.
Examples of usage
- The construction materials were loaded onto a flatcar for transport.
- Flatcars are often used to carry automobiles across the country.
- The lumber was stacked high on a flatcar while waiting for shipment.
- Logging companies frequently rely on flatcars for moving timber.
Translations
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Origin of 'flatcar'
The term 'flatcar' originated in the early days of rail transport, deriving from the 'flat' surface of the car, which lacked any enclosures. The first flatcars were simple wooden platforms that could carry various loads, from timber to machinery. As railways expanded in the 19th and early 20th centuries, flatcars evolved to accommodate a wider range of goods, incorporating metal frameworks for added strength. Over time, the design became standardized, allowing for efficient loading and unloading. The utility of flatcars in the transportation of oversized or bulky cargo has made them an integral part of the freight transport system, and they remain widely used in modern logistics.