Railroad boxcars are categorized as

• A. Hazardous Only
• B. Domestic Transport
• C. Common Freight
• D. Special Use

Answer: (D)

Understanding how railroad freight cars are categorized for hazmat shipments depends on the car’s design and the level of special handling it requires. Boxcars are enclosed, versatile carriers that handle a wide range of goods. Because they can be used in specific service contexts or configurations that require particular loading, securing, or hazard controls beyond ordinary use, they fall into the Special Use category. This reflects the need for specialized procedures or equipment even when the car isn’t dedicated to hazmat or restricted to a domestic route. In contrast, general “common freight” would apply to plain, non-specialized use, while “hazardous only” or “domestic transport” describe other aspects not inherent to the car’s basic design.