The FMC 5347 cubic foot boxcar was introduced in the mid-to-late 1970s during the incentive per diem (IPD) boxcar boom. At the time, railroads were struggling with boxcar shortages, and shippers demanded modern equipment. Builders like FMC (Food Machinery Corporation) responded with new designs that maximised cubic capacity, reduced loading issues, and were inexpensive to maintain.
The FMC 5347 was a 50-foot, exterior post, general service boxcar with a 5347 cubic foot capacity. It was an evolution of earlier FMC designs and quickly became one of the most recognisable boxcars of its era.
Key Features
- 5347 cubic foot capacity – larger than most earlier 50’ boxcars.
- Exterior-post construction – gave smooth interior walls for easy loading and unloading.
- Door options – single plug doors, double plug doors, or offset pairs depending on customer needs.
- Non-terminating ends – a distinguishing design choice for these cars.
- Roller bearing trucks – standard by the late 1970s for reliability and lower upkeep.
Use in Service
The FMC 50ft 5347 boxcars were widely used by many railroads, particularly smaller, regional lines. The cars were well-suited for carrying a range of general freight, including paper, packaged goods, food products, bagged agricultural commodities, and consumer items. Their robust design allowed many to remain in service long after their initial purchase. While they were prominent in the 1970s and 1980s, some of these cars can still be seen today, though often in patched or more modern liveries.
Railroads and Operators
Although Class I railroads rostered the type, it was short lines and leasing companies that made the FMC 5347 so common. Under the IPD programme, many small railroads—some little more than paper operations—ordered large fleets of these cars lettered in their names. This ensured they roamed widely across the North American rail network.
Examples included:
Numerous leasing companies and later Class I operators (such as CSX) through resale or repainting.
Rock Island (“Route Rock”)
Kansas City Southern
East Camden & Highland
North Louisiana & Gulf
Delta Valley & Southern
Sabine River & Northern
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• Maine Central (MEC) #31419 – Orange/Green/Gray (Era: 1976+) 25464
• Maine Central (MEC) #31428 – Orange/Green/Gray (Era: 1976+) 25465
• Cadiz Railroad (CAD) #1101 – Yellow/Gray (Era: 1979+) 25469
• Cadiz Railroad (CAD) #1126 – Yellow/Gray (Era: 1979+) 25470
• Green Mountain Railroad (GMRC) #701 – Green/Yellow/Gray (Era: 1978+) 25471
• Green Mountain Railroad (GMRC) #722 – Green/Yellow/Gray (Era: 1978+) 25472
• Central Vermont (CV) #600138 – Blue/White/Gray (Era: 1979+) 25473
Epilogue
Even after the end of the IPD era, many FMC 5347s survived. Some were sold into lease fleets, others repainted for major railroads, and many ended up in storage, maintenance-of-way service, or with regional carriers. Their solid construction meant they often outlasted other cars of their generation. Today, they can still be found in dwindling numbers, usually heavily weathered, repatched, or rebuilt.