Multi-levels

Bi- and Tri-Level Autorack Carriers

The development of the autorack dates to the late 1950’s. Modern autoracks, along with the freight leasing Reload Pool have helped the railroads reach a 70% market share for the transportation of finished automobiles. Today’s autoracks are either Bi-levels initialed TTGX and carry 12 vehicles, or Tri-levels initialed ETTX that carry 18 autos.  The cars are fully enclosed with end doors to protect the cargo, as opposed to the early freight leasing autoracks that were open-sided without a roof or doors. Typically, the railroads own the rack structure and TTX provides the underlying flat car, although there are a few exceptions to the rule.  For instance, TTX’s equipment leasing pool includes a number of articulated Bi-Levels (initialed BTTX), which includes ownership of the entire car. The articulation (sharing of wheels by two sections of the car) helps increase efficiency and improves capacity from 12 to 18 vehicles.