33,900 Gallon Tank Car

Prototype Information

Manufacturers like Trinity Industries and Union Tank Car (UTLX) introduced the 33,900-gallon tank car in the early 1990s. This design maximizes the volume of pressurized gases transported within North American rail limits. Specifically tailored for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and anhydrous ammonia, these cars are among the largest standard tank cars in service. Their massive size pushes the physical boundaries of track weight and clearance standards.

These cars are easily identified by their extreme length and the protective steel housing on top. This “bonnet” shields the sensitive loading and unloading valves from damage during transit or accidents. Production has evolved through three main phases: early, flat-panel, and late body styles. Each version features different arrangements of end platforms and side safety panels. Because they carry hazardous materials under high pressure, they utilize specialized safety equipment like double-shelf couplers and reinforced tank heads. Today, these cars move in both massive unit trains and mixed freight manifests to serve the energy and agricultural industries.