The 86' Pullman-Standard Double-Door Hi-Cube Boxcar was introduced in the mid-1960s to meet the growing needs of the automotive industry. Designed to move lightweight sheet metal parts economically, these big cars are a fixture of modern auto production. Featuring an impressive 10,000 cubic feet of capacity and large double doors, they allow for easy forklift access. Parts are carried in special baskets to simplify loading and unloading, further enhancing efficiency.
Manufacturers like Pullman-Standard and others produced these specialized freight cars in response to the booming auto industry. While exact production numbers are uncertain, they became a staple for railroads serving major automotive hubs, including Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors. Railroads like Norfolk Southern, Southern Pacific, Western Pacific, Union Pacific, Chesapeake & Ohio, and Conrail were among the primary operators of these boxcars. Assigned to pool service, they can often be seen moving in priority parts trains across various railroads.
Even decades later, many of these boxcars remain in service, especially in automotive supply chains. Their design, based on the common four-door configuration originally built for Ford and Chrysler plants, continues to make them indispensable for specialized freight operations.
The legacy of the 86' Hi-Cube Boxcar lies in its pivotal role in revolutionizing transportation for the automotive industry. It represents a significant moment in rail innovation, adapting to the specific needs of a rapidly growing sector. Its influence is still evident in modern freight transportation today.
About the Model
