50' Express Reefer

Prototype Information

Refrigerated rail transportation revolutionized the North American produce industry in the early 20th century by making it possible to ship fresh goods across long distances. For the first time, growers in the West could sell their produce in the East, and eastern producers could reach markets in the West. To speed up these time-sensitive shipments, railroads attached specially designed Express Reefers to their fastest passenger trains. These refrigerated cars, equipped with high-speed passenger-style trucks, rode at the front of the train, ahead of baggage and passenger coaches. By running on passenger schedules instead of slower freight routes, they delivered fresh produce much more quickly and helped reshape the way perishable goods moved across the continent.