FMC 5347 Box Car

Prototype Information

The FMC 5347 boxcar is a 50-foot, high-cube freight car that FMC built in the mid-1970s through the early 1980s. Originally a food machinery company, FMC pushed into the railcar market during that time and quickly became known for producing modern, high-capacity boxcars. The “5347” refers to its interior volume—5,347 cubic feet—designed to handle bulky but lightweight goods like paper rolls, automotive parts, and packaged freight.

With an interior height of 10 feet 6 inches, this boxcar stood taller than standard cars, making it ideal for high-volume loads. Most came with sliding plug doors, smooth or ribbed steel sides, and cushioned underframes. Many also included DF (Damage-Free) loading equipment to keep cargo stable during transit. These design choices made the 5347 a go-to car for shippers needing clean, roomy interiors for sensitive or palletized products.

Railroads like Southern Pacific, Burlington Northern, and Norfolk & Western bought or leased these boxcars in large numbers, and they ran across the North American rail network for decades. Some still operate today, while others have been scrapped or rebuilt.