A boxcar loaded with multiple small, less-than-carload shipments originating from various local shippers, gathered at a freight house or transfer station. Instead of moving over the main line, the car is switched locally within terminal limits to distribute the individual packages to their final receivers.
Heard on the job
We need the switcher to spot that trap car at the warehouse dock before noon so they can unload the mixed freight.
Also heard as
- ferry car