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.
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 It has been replaced by the rail, trucking, and delivery industries of today.
Freight wagon types can be divided by their appearance and utility.
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.
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.
The dray wagon was a heavy-duty freight wagon. They were often used to haul large machines.
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.
The military escort wagon was a heavy-duty freight wagon used by the military.
There were government contracts with these companies to build wagons for the military
The farm wagon was a light-duty freight wagon.