Well Cars (Trains): Length, Overview, Specs
Last revised: February 25, 2025
By: Adam Burns
Today’s well cars go by many names (double-stack cars, for instance) but their primary purpose has not changed over the past twenty years or so; to haul international containers in loads of one or two from port to market and vice-versa.
While the car has been embraced by railroads for its efficiency it is actually little more than a glorified flat car.
The well car was also another step in the evolution of COFC service (said "Cof-cee"), or "Container On Flat Car."
You might be surprised to learn that while the movement of intermodal freight in such large quantities is a relatively recent phenomenon, its history and experimentation within the industry can be traced back decades to around the time of World War II!
During this time railroads like the Pennsylvania, Baltimore & Ohio, Erie, and New York Central all tested the concept although it remained relatively isolated to the testbed sector.
It slowly grew from the 1950s to become a major source of traffic for roads like Conrail and the Santa Fe during the 1980s. Today, most Class Is now derive a substantial source of annual revenue from the movement of intermodal.
Norfolk Southern C40-9W #9894 and SD70M #2644 grind up grade with stack train 20W at Portage, Pennsylvania on October 20, 2009. Wade Massie photo.The beginnings of COFC date back to the 1940s and 1950s when railroads began experimenting with TOFC service (said "Tof-cee").
The Baltimore & Ohio actually employed the saying when it marketed its TOFCEE service for many years through the 1960s and 1970s, or "Trailer On Flat Car."
One of the first lines to try out this new type of freight, moving either trailers or containers, was the Pennsylvania Railroad.
The service was pretty straightforward as it basically involved standard 40-foot flatcars to haul truck trailers in large numbers.
This setup benefited the trucking companies allowing for several of their trailers to be moved over long distances, which is often quicker and cheaper while also providing railroads with another means of traffic.
A quartet of BNSF power are running the former Santa Fe "Transcon" near Ludlow, California with an eastbound intermodal on November 1, 2019. Jon Wright photo.COFC and TOFC service went through significant experimentation over the years by several different railroad.
The little Chicago Great Western Railway, a granger road operating trackage west of Chicago in the Heartland, is credited with pioneering TOFC’s widespread use.
The CGW proved that the commodity was a profitable venture and despite its regional status continued to grow the business before its takeover by the Chicago & North Western.
As the 1950s gave way to the 1960s TOFC service, also known as "piggyback" (because trailers "piggybacked" their journey by train), began to really gain momentum with many Class I railroads using it in one form or another. This led to the construction of new hubs and terminals specifically to handle TOFC service.
In this beautiful aerial view of Cajon Pass an eastbound Union Pacific container train is climbing upgrade on November 3, 2019. Jon Wright photo.As railroads do so well the advent of unit trailer trains soon took hold whereby the same commodity is blocked together.
Such movements at the time were usually given top priority over the particular route they operated (often known as "hotshots") with names like TrailerJet, Apollo, Razorback, Thunderhawk, and Flexi-Van. T
he change from "Trailer-On-Flatcar" to "Container-On-Flatcar" service began when the large ocean commerce industry started development of a new standard, international container that could more efficiently be loaded and unloaded at world ports.
What they came up with was today’s rectangle box configuration of 20 feet high by 40 feet long.
While railroads would continue to employ piggyback service (and still do, today, with specialized cars known as spine cars), there was a clear shift in COFC service when this new container became widely used.
For railroads, the widespread use of the container began in the 1980s. However, at first they found it rather difficult to transport because there was no specialized car to handle the equipment requiring the use of traditional flatcars.
The biggest problems railroads faced with this setup were the inefficiencies the car provided.
First, only one container could be transported on each car as two would make for a very dangerously high center of gravity while tunnel clearances could often not accommodate such heights.
Second, the containers were built to interlock with one another but with only one capable of being handled per car, each had to be manually secured with chains, which took an excruciatingly long time.
Norfolk Southern intermodal train 201 heads south across Jeremy Run Trestle just south of Rileyville, Virginia on April 18, 2020. Jon Wright photo.This could not do and after working with freight car builders the railroads came up with the unique well cars of today, which are sort of a mix between a gondola and center-depressed flatcar (used to haul extremely heavy loads, they typically are equipped with six axles or more).
This design allows for two containers to be easily transported in each car with both sitting low enough that tunnel clearances became less pronounced.
Today, well cars are found in widespread use all across the country, better known as intermodal service, especially on the Norfolk Southern and BNSF Railways, which haul hundreds of thousands of containers per year.
Nearly all Class I's today derive a large portion of their traffic base from the movement of intermodal.
For instance, if you live near the BNSF Railway Transcon between Los Angeles and Chicago you can witness literally hundreds of nothing but container trains traveling between the two cities every day.
A pair of CSX C40-8Ws led by #7324 have intermodal freight Q182 at Pinoca Yard in Charlotte, North Carolina completing its run from Savannah, Georgia on October 10, 2009. Dan Robie.The growth of this particular market has been such that eastern giants CSX and NS have spent billions of dollars updating major routes that continued to be plagued with tight clearances an issue western roads have largely avoided.
Known as the Heartland Corridor (NS) and National Gateway (CSX) projects they have allowed for the movement of double-stacks over their respective routes instead of single containers the carriers were forced to handle before.
Naturally, this has allowed for a great boon of freight and profit derived from a single train.
As the United States companies continue to outsource their products and imports remain high, expect the handling of intermodal freight to remain a major source of the rail industry's traffic base.
Recent Articles
-
South Dakota 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:51 PM
While the 1880 Train's regular runs are a treat in any season, the Oktoberfest Express adds an extra layer of fun: German-inspired food, seasonal beer, and live polka set against the sound and spectac… -
Michigan 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:49 PM
If you’re looking for a pure slice of autumn in West Michigan, the Coopersville & Marne Railway (C&M) has a themed excursion that fits the season perfectly: the Oktoberfest Exp… -
Indiana 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:47 PM
This piece explores the allure of murder mystery trains and why they are becoming a must-try experience for enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. -
Maryland 'Ice Cream' Tasting Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:46 PM
Among WMSR's shorter outings, one event punches well above its “simple fun” weight class: the Ice Cream Train. -
Colorado 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:43 PM
With its rugged mountains, rich railroading history, and picturesque landscapes, Colorado sets the perfect stage for a memorable Father's Day outing aboard a vintage train. -
California 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:41 PM
Celebrate and honor dad by train on a scenic rail experience! Find out which locations in California host these unique trips. -
Kentucky 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:40 PM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Florida 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 23, 26 11:56 AM
Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards. -
Southern 2-8-2 4501 Debuts In "Virginia Green"
May 23, 26 11:54 AM
Southern Railway 2-8-2 #4501 debuted in its return to Virginia Green at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum today, May 23, 2026. -
NS Unveils First America250 Locomotive: 1776, "The Bell"
May 22, 26 11:15 PM
On May 22, 2026 Norfolk Southern unveiled its first in the America250 heritage locomotives series, 1776, "The Bell". -
Reading & Northern Issues Safety Directive Ahead Of 4014 Visit
May 22, 26 12:01 PM
With thousands of tickets sold for its upcoming series of Semiquincentennial Steam Celebration excursions, Reading & Northern Railroad is also anticipating thousands more trackside spectators to bear… -
Ohio 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:36 AM
The murder mystery dinner train rides in Ohio provide an immersive experience that combines fine dining, an engaging narrative, and the beauty of Ohio's landscapes. -
Tennessee 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:31 AM
Amidst the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Tennessee, an exhilarating and interactive experience awaits those with a taste for mystery and intrigue. -
Alabama 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:29 AM
Alabama, with its rich railway heritage and scenic countryside, is a wonderful way to experience by train. One location even hosts a special trip for Father's Day! -
North Carolina 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:26 AM
Celebrating dad on a scenic train in North Carolina can be found at the New Hope Valley Railway which hosts a special event for the day. -
Texas 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:25 AM
This article invites you on a metaphorical journey through some of these unique wine tasting train experiences in Texas. -
New York 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:22 AM
This article will delve into the history, offerings, and appeal of wine tasting trains in New York, guiding you through a unique experience that combines the romance of the rails with the sophisticati… -
The Spirit of America: George H.W. Bush’s 1992 Campaign Train
May 22, 26 11:11 AM
In the fading days of summer 1992, President George H. W. Bush embarked on a classic American political tradition: the whistle-stop tour. -
Burlington Northern Timetables (May, 1972)
May 21, 26 11:56 PM
Presented here is the Burlington Northern's condensed freight timetables from the May, 1972 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Whiskey Tasting Train Rides (2026)
May 21, 26 11:12 PM
These rides across the United States offer a sensory journey through lush landscapes and historical corridors, often pairing scenic vistas with curated whiskey tastings. -
Father's Day Train Ride Locations (2026)
May 21, 26 10:54 PM
Celebrate dad by train! Several heritage railroads and museums host trips honoring dads. Learn more about which locations offer such excursions. -
The Chessie Safety Express: Steam-Powered Advocacy for Railroad Safety
May 21, 26 10:44 PM
In the fall of 1980, a gleaming Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) 4-8-4 steam locomotive named No. 614 thundered across the rails of the Chessie System, pulling a colorful consist of passenger cars filled with… -
Frankfort and Cincinnati Railroad: "The Kentucky Midland Route"
May 21, 26 06:08 PM
The Frankfort & Cincinnati was a small shortline located in north-central Kentucky that was known as "The Whiskey Route" for the many distilleries it served. The F&C shutdown in 1985. -
North Carolina 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:43 PM
One of the GSMR's most distinctive special events is Spirits on the Rail, a bourbon-focused dining experience built around curated drinks and a chef-prepared multi-course meal. -
Connecticut 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:42 PM
While the Naugatuck Railroad runs a variety of trips throughout the year, one event has quickly become a “circle it on the calendar” outing for fans of great food and spirited tastings: the BBQ & Bour… -
Kansas "Dinner" Train Rides From Abilene
May 21, 26 12:37 PM
If you’re looking for a heritage railroad that feels authentically Kansas—equal parts prairie scenery, small-town history, and hands-on railroading—the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad delivers. -
Vermont "Dinner" Train Rides At Burlington
May 21, 26 12:34 PM
There is one location in Vermont hosting a dedicated dinner train experience at the Green Mountain Railroad. -
New Jersey "Father's Day" Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:24 PM
There are a few locations in New Jersey celebrating dads with a train ride. Learn more about these unique trips here! -
Massachusetts "Father's Day" Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:16 PM
The Cape Cod Central is the one location in the state hosting an event just for dads, a special brunch train. Learn more here! -
Historic Steam Locomotive Heads To Charleston For America250 Exhibit
May 21, 26 11:58 AM
A rare piece of West Virginia industrial history, an 0-4-0F fireless steam locomotive by H.K. Porter in 1945, is being installed near the West Virginia State Capitol Complex in Charleston as part of a… -
Connecticut 'Dinner' Train Rides At Essex
May 20, 26 11:55 AM
Connecticut's rail heritage can be traced back to the industry's earliest days and a few organizations preserve this rich history by offering train rides. The Essex Steam Train also hosts dinner-theme… -
Arkansas 'Dinner 'Train Rides On The A&M
May 20, 26 11:54 AM
If you want a railroad experience that feels equal parts “working short line” and “time machine,” the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad delivers in a way few modern operations can. -
Illinois 'Dinner' Train Rides At The MRM
May 20, 26 11:52 AM
The Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
California 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 20, 26 11:51 AM
When it comes to experiencing the allure of crime-solving sprinkled with delicious dining, California's murder mystery dinner train rides have carved a niche for themselves among both locals and touri… -
Michigan 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 20, 26 11:50 AM
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Michigan’s wine tasting train experiences that cater to both wine connoisseurs and railway aficionados. -
Indiana 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 20, 26 11:48 AM
In this article, we'll delve into the experience of wine tasting trains in Indiana, exploring their routes, services, and the rising popularity of this unique adventure. -
Texas & Pacific Railway Timetables (September, 1937)
May 20, 26 11:10 AM
Featured here is the Texas & Pacific's timetables and system map from the September, 1937 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Norfolk Southern Unveils America250 Locomotive Series
May 20, 26 10:30 AM
Norfolk Southern has rolled out a bold new commemorative series to mark America’s 250th anniversary (the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026). -
The Nebraska Zephyr: Burlington's Lincoln Service
May 20, 26 09:49 AM
ntroduced in 1947, the Nebraska Zephyr provided fast, stylish daylight service between Chicago, Illinois, and Lincoln, Nebraska (via Omaha), covering 551 miles (887 km) in under 10 hours at an average… -
Colorado & Southern Timetables (March, 1940)
May 19, 26 11:55 PM
Featured here is the Colorado & Southern's timetables from the March, 1940 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
New Jersey "Father's Day" Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:59 AM
There are a few locations in New Jersey celebrating dads with a train ride. Learn more about these unique trips here! -
Illinois 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:56 AM
Among Illinois's scenic train rides, one of the most unique and captivating experiences is the murder mystery excursion. -
Kentucky 'Dinner Train' Rides From Bardstown
May 19, 26 11:53 AM
The essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history. -
Vermont 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:50 AM
There are currently murder mystery dinner trains offered in Vermont but until recently the Champlain Valley Dinner Train offered such a trip! -
Ohio - Beer Tasting - Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:49 AM
The Ohio Rail Experience's Quincy Sunset Tasting Train is a new offering that pairs an easygoing evening schedule with a signature scenic highlight: a high, dramatic crossing of the Quincy Bridge over… -
Texas 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:43 AM
Texas State Railroad's “Pints In The Pines” train is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the line: a vintage evening departure, craft beer samplings, and a catered dinner at the Rusk depot un… -
South Dakota 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:40 AM
For wine enthusiasts and adventurers alike, South Dakota introduces a novel way to experience its local viticulture: wine tasting aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad. -
New Mexico 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:33 AM
For oenophiles and adventure seekers alike, wine tasting train rides in New Mexico provide a unique opportunity to explore the region's vineyards in comfort and style. -
Amtrak's First Airo Trainset Arrives in Seattle
May 19, 26 10:01 AM
Amtrak's next-generation Airo passenger trainset has officially arrived in Seattle, marking a major milestone in the railroad's largest fleet overhaul in decades and the start of a new era for travel… -
Maine "Ice Cream" Tasting Train Rides
May 19, 26 09:49 AM
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum’s Ice Cream Train is a family-friendly Friday-night tradition that turns a short rail excursion into a small event.
