container-on-flatcar

Container-on-flatcar (COFC) is a method of intermodal freight transport where shipping containers are placed on railroad flatcars. This system allows for the efficient transfer of goods between different modes of transportation, such as trucks, trains, and ships.12

COFC is a significant development in rail freight, particularly in North America and Europe since World War II. It combines the long-distance hauling economy of railroads with the flexibility of road transport for collection and delivery. This method is crucial for manufacturers not directly served by rail, making long-distance transport accessible. European railroads initially focused on COFC due to clearance limitations for highway trailers on flatcars, primarily using standardized maritime containers. In the 1980s, the use of containers in North American intermodal transport grew, with innovations like double-stacking containers on specialized railcars.2