Greenbrier Transverse Coil Car

Prototype Information

The Greenbrier Transverse Coil Car modernizes steel logistics to compete directly with the trucking industry. Greenbrier moved away from traditional longitudinal designs where coils sit parallel to the tracks. Instead, they built a car with 5 or 10 troughs that hold coils perpendicular to the rail. This transverse orientation fits various coil sizes from 34″ to 90″ without manual bracing. The car uses high-strength steel and advanced cushioning to reduce weight and protect cargo. These features lower fuel costs and prevent transit damage to high-value steel.

In 2022, Greenbrier partnered with U.S. Steel and Norfolk Southern to refine the design. This team removed 15,000 lbs of dead weight from the frame to increase payload capacity. The car has since become a staple of modern railroading and a favorite for modelers. It features a sleek, low-profile look and signature sloped covers for weather protection. With thousands of units in service, this car sets the standard for moving cold-rolled and galvanized steel across North America.