Most goods shipped by rail traveled in what railroads termed 'house cars.' more commonly called box cars. House cars meant enclosed freight cars such as boxcars as well as stock cars, refrigerator and poultry cars, double door box cars to transport autos, etc

These care are used for loads requiring protection from weather. All of these cars are built much like a house, with permanently installed roof and sides, and sides or end doors. They vaguely resemble a house