Do people still ride Freight (sp) trains in America?

Question

you know like Kerouac, characters in Steinbeck novels etc?

Answer 1

We used to get loads of them coming up from Mexico.But in the past few years the border patrol has cracked down on them so we don't see near as many now.They stop our trains and search them now.The illegals are still coming but they find different ways to spread throughout America now besides riding the rails.The hobo's have all but disappeared into folklore.We have some gangs that ride trains now but they are dangerous people that we try to avoid at all costs.

Answer 2

uhhh yeah, theyre called hobos.

Answer 3

yeah, but you could wait days to find an open carriage. also you should make sure you know where its going nt that its gona slow down or stop where you want to get off, its no fun jumping from a speeding train, not like in the movies where they land in a ditch n come up with dirty clothes n ripped jeans etc

Answer 4

Yes, occasionally some people do ride on freight trains.  It is mainly illegal aliens coming out of Mexico that make up the majority of people doing this.  By the way, since no one has mentioned it, I will.  Riding on freight trains is illegal, and if caught the rider is subject to arrest.

Answer 5

Yes it is still possible but the closed wagons and containers make it more difficult. In addition there is a LOT less train traffic.

Answer 6

h**l yes not the safest way to travel but cheapest

Answer 7

As others pointed out, there are far fewer "box-cars" that aren't locked / sealed, as well as fewer "local freights".

There ARE folks riding the rails in America... from Mexico and Central America!!  CNN has done specials/ stories on the subject

Answer 8

Some

not near as uch as in years past but it still happens

htere is a different class of hobos out there, not as safe as before,

not uncommon to hear of a dead hobo being found somehwere

Answer 9

I did, about ten years ago. I sold may car to feed my habit and I was about 40 miles from home. After roaming around all night without any money, I decided to take a chance and I hopped on a freight train while I was walking along the RR tracks. Luckily it happened to be going toward my home and slowed down, just at the right time so I could get off.  

True story.

Answer 10

Yes, They still do.  But it's getting harder to do so these days, the Railroads are putting detectors along the track to detect riders on rail cars.