Abstract: A cargo discharge railcar for comprising a generally rectangular base structure, a plurality of walls coupled to the base structure defining an enclosure for carrying cargo, a hopper portion coupled to the base structure, a discharge gate coupled to the hopper portion, a control system coupled to the discharge gate for opening and closing the discharge gate, a central processing unit for controlling the control system, and a global positioning system receiver electrically coupled to the central processing unit for receiving longitude and latitude data from a global positioning system transmitter orbiting the Earth. The discharge gate is adapted to be selectively opened and closed based in part upon the longitude and latitude of the cargo discharge railcar.

Abstract: A freight container for use in intermodal freight transportation systems that includes lift castings having a top lift aperture located on the lift casting at an outboard position, such that when other containers are stacked on top of the container, loads are properly distributed through reinforcement beams of the container, thereby substantially reducing bending stresses in the container, substantially reducing the possibility fatigue failure of the container, and reducing the costs of maintenance and inspection of the container.