A method comprises removing a first deck of a plurality of decks and a second deck of the plurality of decks from an autorack. The method further comprises removing one or more of a plurality of posts of the autorack and coupling a cross-brace assembly to one or more of the plurality of posts, wherein the cross-brace assembly is coupled to the one or more of the plurality of posts at a location above an existing brace bay of the autorack. The method also comprises coupling the second deck of the plurality of decks to the autorack at a location above or below the cross-brace assembly.

An auto-rack bridge plate locking assembly including a support bracket, a guide tube, a slidable locking pin partially positioned in the guide tube, a handle assembly removably attachable to the locking pin, a fixed pivot pin partially positioned in the guide tube, and a spring positioned in the guide tube between the pivot pin and the locking pin. An auto-rack railroad car bridge plate may include a plate configured to extend from one auto-rack railroad car to an adjacent auto-rack railroad car with the locking assembly connected to the plate and configured to pivotally attach the plate to one of the auto-rack rail road cars.

A security device, such as an anti-theft device, for a transport vehicle, such as a railcar, grating hinge connector includes a plate and a cup. The hinge connector has a first portion secured to the deck surface by a fastener with a head, and a second portion coupled to the grating. The cup has a base and a wall forming a cavity sized and shaped to receive the plate. The wall forms an opening that is sized and shaped to receive the plate for insertion into the cavity. The base is positioned on the hinge connector and has another opening sized and shaped to receive the fastener with the head positioned in the cavity. The insertion of the plate in the cavity secures the head of the fastener within the anti-theft device.

A locking assembly includes an elongated guide tube configured to be coupled to a first component. The guide tube is elongated in a first direction from a first end to an opposite second end. The locking assembly also includes a first pin partially disposed in the guide tube and protruding from the first end of the guide tube. The first pin can be received in a first receiver. The locking assembly also includes a second pin partially disposed in the guide tube and protruding from the second end of the guide tube. This second pin can be received in a second receiver. The locking assembly also includes a handle removably coupled with the second pin. The handle can be grasped and moved to slide the second pin relative to the guide tube and the first pin along the first direction.

According to some embodiments, an autorack railcar comprises first and second ends, and first and second longitudinal sides disposed between the first and second ends. The longitudinal sides comprise a plurality of side posts. The railcar further comprises a rack for transporting vehicles enclosed by the ends and sides. A first width of the railcar between the longitudinal sides proximate a center of the railcar comprises a first width value. A second width of the railcar between the longitudinal sides between the center of the railcar and either the first or second ends comprises a second width value greater than the first width value. The side posts positioned within the second width of the railcar have a width that is less than a width of the side posts positioned within the first width of the railcar.

A system includes a railcar, a first deck, and a second deck. The second deck is positioned within the railcar above the first deck. The second deck includes a first portion, a second portion coupled to a first end of the first portion, and a third portion coupled to a second end of the first portion opposite the first end. The second and third portions can move towards a center of the first portion such that the first portion is positioned above or beneath the second and third portions.

A device and method for efficient transport of passenger cars or similar, with a high environmental and energy saving result, including, for example, a two-dimensional framework, a connecting element positioned and attached in a third dimension perpendicular to the framework. The two-dimensional framework and the connecting element together form a framework body of the device. A fastening device for vertical attachment and storage of a passenger car is provided. The passenger cars are placed vertically suspended in the container device such that the use of volume is significantly improved compared to prior solutions.

An apparatus includes a panel, a fastener, and a cushion. The panel is coupled to a side of a railcar. The fastener engages the panel. A vertical position of the fastener on the panel is adjustable. The cushion is coupled to the fastener. The cushion extends from the side of the railcar towards an interior of the railcar and prevents the side of the railcar from contacting an object stored in the railcar.

A method comprises removing a first deck of a plurality of decks and a second deck of the plurality of decks from an autorack. The method further comprises removing one or more of a plurality of posts of the autorack and coupling a cross-brace assembly to one or more of the plurality of posts, wherein the cross-brace assembly is coupled to the one or more of the plurality of posts at a location above an existing brace bay of the autorack. The method also comprises coupling the second deck of the plurality of decks to the autorack at a location above or below the cross-brace assembly.

A security device, such as an anti-theft device, for a transport vehicle, such as a railcar, grating hinge connector includes a plate and a cup. The hinge connector has a first portion secured to the deck surface by a fastener with a head, and a second portion coupled to the grating. The cup has a base and a wall forming a cavity sized and shaped to receive the plate. The wall forms an opening that is sized and shaped to receive the plate for insertion into the cavity. The base is positioned on the hinge connector and has another opening sized and shaped to receive the fastener with the head positioned in the cavity. The insertion of the plate in the cavity secures the head of the fastener within the anti-theft device.