What is the minimum space required between vehicles secured to a railcar deck?

What is the minimum space required between vehicles secured to a railcar deck?

• A. 5 inches
• B. 15 inches
• C. 10 inches
• D. 20 inches

Answer: (C)

The essential idea is to have enough clearance so you can place and tighten securing devices between vehicles without them rubbing or contacting each other during transit. Ten inches is the minimum that provides room for lashings or chains, tie-downs, and chocks, while also accommodating the vehicle’s slight movement and deck flex. If the gap is smaller, securing gear can become difficult to install properly and there’s a greater risk of damage from contact or from lashings binding. A gap of ten inches strikes a practical balance—not so tight that securing becomes risky, and not so wide that it wastes deck space. The other options either are too tight or more than what’s required for safe securement.