Why do trains run with open, empty boxcars?

Question

Is it just to air them out, or to make it easier on the hobos?

Answer 1

They are moving them to a place where they will be filled.

Answer 2

Often, we run trains with empty boxcars because we need to move the boxcar from one place to another.

Answer 3

"Plug" doors must be closed prior to movement.  There are no other restrictions on boxcar doors.

On one railroad back in the eighties for a time required all doors to be closed to see if doing so reduced drag, thereby increasing fuel efficiency.  With all the work that needed to be done to get all the doors closed was delaying trains, so the idea went out the window.

They can be difficult to operate at times, as they get beat up during normal use.  But, if you look closely, you'll notice that there are small "pockets" on boxcar doors.  These are there so that a forklift can put one of the forks into the pocket and be able to slide open and close the door.  

Plug doors are a completely different animal, though they too slide, once the door is in line with the door frame, a large lever or wheel is turned, and that draws the door into the door frame, and in so doing "plugs" the hole, hence, a "plug" door.  

It is required that these be closed since when open they add width to the car, which will cause clearance issues in some areas.

Answer 4

No, so Bo & Luke Duke can jump the General Lee through them.  C'mon man, you've seen the show.

Answer 5

The only restriction that I am aware of is that which says plug type doors are not allowed to be moved when the doors are open.  Also the conducor is not allowed to move the car from the customers with the plug doors open.  If memory serves, conductors are not even allowed to close the plug type doors.  Far to dangerous.  If you are refering to Air the cars out to meaing,  cleaning them out.  The customer is supost to clean them out.

Answer 6

under the AAR rules all doors& hatches must be close before moving. the reason why the doors are left open is the customer who used the car couldnt close the door maybe because the door plugs are broke,  and in some cases the carman couldnt safely close it either so the car is home shop for repair to repair door.