Unit Movement Officer (UMO) Practice Test

Flat cars provide a flat, open deck that’s ideal for loading and securing wheeled and tracked vehicles. Without walls or a roof, you can drive or crane the vehicle onto the deck and use tie-down points along the length to secure it firmly with straps and chains. The open surface also accommodates large tires, tracks, and suspension components and makes it easy to position restraints at multiple locations to prevent movement during transit. Other railcar types aren’t as suitable: enclosed box cars make loading large vehicles difficult and complicate securement, gondolas have higher sides that can hinder loading and securing, and tank cars are designed for liquids and aren’t appropriate for vehicle loads.