Freight Wagon

Definition

Freight wagons were heavy four-wheeled vehicles pulled by animals that were used for transporting bulk quantities of commercial goods, supplies, raw materials and equipment over lengthy distances.

Utility

The freight wagon was used by the freighting industry of the frontier days. It has been replaced by the rail, trucking, and delivery industries of today.

Types

Freight wagon types can be divided by their appearance and utility.

What is not a freight wagon

Lighter duty wagons that were used for short distance hauling are not considered freight wagons. These light duty wagons were used on farms and for delivery of goods.

Eastern vs Western

Freight wagons can be divided into eastern and western types. The eastern types were used where the terrain was flatter and less rugged. The western types were used in the rugged mountain terrain.

Dray Wagon

Description

The dray wagon was a heavy-duty freight wagon. They were often used to haul large machines.

Manufacturers

  • na

Characteristics

  • Smaller wheels than on other wagons
  • Flat level floor
  • No sides, low sides, or stake sides
  • low to the ground

Tall-sided Wagon

Description

The tall-sided wagon was a heavy-duty freight wagon. They were often used in wagon trains with a lead wagon followed by multiple trail wagons.

Manufacturers

  • Studebaker

Characteristics

  • Left-sided brake
  • Chock log
  • Wagon connecting links

Military Escort Wagon

Description

The military escort wagon was a heavy-duty freight wagon used by the military.

Manufacturers

There were government contracts with these companies to build wagons for the military

  • Studebaker
  • Kentucky
  • Thornhill
  • International Harvester

Characteristics

  • California-style seat riser
  • flare boards
  • footboard
  • front-mounted equipment/jockey box
  • heavy riveted construction

Farm Wagon

Description

The farm wagon was a light-duty freight wagon.

Manufacturers

  • Studebaker

Characteristics

  • Square box

Eastern Model Characteristics

  • Cast iron skeins
  • Removable spring seat
  • Stiff tongue
  • Double box

Western Model Characteristics

  • Steel skeins
  • Rigid mounted seat
  • Drop tongue
  • Heavy duty box
  • Mountain brake
  • Iron gear
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