Roadrailer

More modern roadrailers did not include integrated railroad wheels, but rode on regular trucks that do double-duty, having served as articulation points between multiple trailers in a train.

The connector plate slid into a female receptacle on the rear of the trailer in front and was secured with a steel pin.

The trailers were built by the Budd Company locally with the integration of the wheelsets and railroad braking system done at the nearby Bi-Modal factory.

In the fully lowered or squat position, hooks holding the railwheel set above the road surface released.

A similar system was trialed in the UK, though the concept proved unsuccessful, partly due to the reduction in load volume required to fit inside the UK's smaller loading gauge, and also due to objections by the powerful rail and road transport unions.

The positive attributes of the RoadRailer were its exceptionally smooth ride, light weight and low capital costs to establish a rail yard.

[7][8] The primary reason that the original RoadRailer concept was not viable was the weight penalty imposed on the trailers because of the attached railroad wheelset.

[citation needed] [9] Triple Crown, a subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Railway, remained a user of RoadRailer until August 25, 2024.