Union Pacific is dedicated to providing secure and undamaged delivery of their customers' shipments. To ensure this, they have implemented a process to help prevent damage to rail infrastructure that can be caused by shipping wagons that exceed the recommended maximum gross weight. The Union Pacific system is approved for heavy-axle wagons that can support up to 286,000 pounds of gross weight. However, at certain locations in the Union Pacific, the track structure (in most cases, bridges) is unable to properly handle and distribute this excess weight and may be restricted to 268,000 pounds or more depending on the length of the wagon.
As the weight of each car increases, the total capacity of the train increases significantly before increasing the length of the trains. This allows for an even greater tonnage of freight to be transported. The maximum limit on freight trains in North America is usually between 170 and 220 cars, that is, about 14,000 feet in total, with an average weight of around 14,000 tons or less. Since the mid-19th century, engineers have been striving to move more cargo by train or ship with ever larger machines as technology allowed.
Union Pacific's process helps guarantee that their customers' shipments are delivered safely and without damage.The maximum weight for shipping a train is determined by a variety of factors such as the length of the wagon, the track structure, and the type of axle used. Union Pacific has set a maximum gross weight limit of 286,000 pounds for heavy-axle wagons. However, certain locations may have restrictions on this limit due to track infrastructure limitations. The total capacity of a freight train can reach up to 14,000 tons before increasing its length.Union Pacific's process helps ensure that their customers' shipments are delivered safely and without damage.
By adhering to these guidelines, engineers have been able to move more cargo by train or ship with ever larger machines as technology allowed.
