Freight Trains

Freight trains move huge amounts of stuff that people need every day. They carry food, coal, cars, lumber, and much more. A single freight train can replace hundreds of trucks on the highway. These powerful trains are one of the best ways to move heavy things over long distances.

What They Carry

Freight trains carry almost everything you can think of. Boxcars carry packaged goods. Tank cars hold liquids like oil and milk. Flatcars carry lumber, steel, and heavy machines. Hopper cars haul grain, coal, and gravel. Refrigerated cars keep food cold during the trip.

Long and Powerful

Freight trains in the United States can be over two miles long! They need several powerful locomotives to pull all those cars. Engineers drive the train from the lead locomotive using computers and radios. Freight trains run day and night to keep goods moving across the country.

Fun Facts

• The longest freight train ever was in Australia and was over 4.5 miles long.
• One freight train can carry as much as 300 trucks.
• Trains use about 4 times less fuel than trucks to move the same amount of cargo.

Did You Know?

Railroad workers used to ride on top of freight cars and turn brake wheels by hand. It was one of the most dangerous jobs in America until air brakes were invented!