Four-axle cars, over 45 feet in length
- Car length: 44 feet 11 inches and longer
- Maximum weight: Up to 286,000 pounds
Carload Weight Restrictions
Find the maximum weight your railcar can carry across our network, and what to do when a shipment exceeds standard limits.
Find the maximum weight your railcar can carry across our network, and what to do when a shipment exceeds standard limits.
Weight limits by car type and length
Select your car type to see its maximum gross weight on rail. Each card links to a detailed map of route restrictions.
Oversized load criteria
Oversized load criteria
Your shipment is oversized if it exceeds any one of these limits:
- Weight: 286,000 pounds on a four-axle car, or 480,000 pounds on an eight-axle car
- Height: more than 17 feet above the top of the rail
- Width: more than 11 feet at any point
- Overhang: the load extends past the end sill, the beam at each end of the railcar
Railcars with 12 or more axles require special clearance. These moves often include empty buffer cars on either side to distribute weight safely across the track structure.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my load is oversized or overweight?
Your load is oversized if it stands more than 17 feet above the top of the rail, measures more than 11 feet wide at any point, or overhangs the end sills of the railcar.
Check our weight restriction maps to confirm the limits along your route. Oversized shipments move on set operating schedules and windows, so they may take longer than standard railcar shipments.
How do I move a load with excess dimensions or weight?
Start with our step-by-step guide to shipping oversized loads. It walks you through clearance, routing and documentation from origin to destination.
Which railroad do I contact for rates, railcars or clearance?
Contact the originating railroad to request clearance, rates and railcars. If your load originates on a short line railroad, contact the first line-haul carrier instead.
How do I know if my load is oversized or overweight?
Your load is oversized if it stands more than 17 feet above the top of the rail, measures more than 11 feet wide at any point, or overhangs the end sills of the railcar.
Check our weight restriction maps to confirm the limits along your route. Oversized shipments move on set operating schedules and windows, so they may take longer than standard railcar shipments.
How do I move a load with excess dimensions or weight?
Start with our step-by-step guide to shipping oversized loads. It walks you through clearance, routing and documentation from origin to destination.
Which railroad do I contact for rates, railcars or clearance?
Contact the originating railroad to request clearance, rates and railcars. If your load originates on a short line railroad, contact the first line-haul carrier instead.