gondola
railroad vehicle
Quick Summary
A gondola, in the context of railroads, is a type of open-top freight car with a flat bottom and fixed sides. These cars are primarily used for hauling heavy bulk commodities that can be loaded from above, such as manufactured goods. Unlike hopper cars, gondolas have fixed bottoms and require a crane for unloading.12
While the term "gondola" is most famously associated with the distinctive boats of Venice, it also refers to this specific type of railroad vehicle designed for transporting cargo.312
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