Grate/ Lock Chock System Introduction

The conventional means of securing vehicles to bi-level rail cars has been replaced. The auto manufacturers has forced this change for two major reasons:

• The nature of vehicles being produced has changed. The introduction of the uni-body design in certain vehicles has essentially eliminated the traditional heavy steel frame. As such, the chain tie-down system traditionally used to secure vehicles to bi-level rail cars decks proved to be a significant cause of stress damage to the new uni-body structure of vehicles.
• In keeping with the overall objective of reducing the weight and cost of the vehicles, the hard ware and reinforcements required to accommodate the chain tie-downs for the one time only movement by rail are being eliminated.

For many years now, the auto industry has been telling the transportation industry of the above-mentioned need to change. All auto shippers who perform loading and/or unloading procedures have learned through experience that solid tie down systems (such as chains) will invariably result in damage to vehicles when used in conjunction with rail transport. When rigid tie down systems are used, impact shocks associated with railcar hump or flat switching are being directly transmitted to the vehicles. In addition, undampened shocks and vibrations in normal over-the-road rail movement are believed to cause hidden damage to vehicle components that eventually show up as warranty claims against the auto manufacturer. The purpose in utilizing a wheel-oriented system, such as the Grate/Lock chock system, is to immobilize the vehicles suspension system.

The ability of the grate/lock chock system to secure any type of vehicle being produced has drastically reduced empty bi-level rail movement, in effect raising the utilization rate of bi-levels and reducing overall rail transportation costs.

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