May 01, 2006 · 1.. IntroductionMotivated by lower cost per ton-mile, US Class I railroads have been replacing 263,000-pound gross vehicle weight (GVW) covered hopper cars (primarily used to haul grain) capable of handling 100. tons with 286,000-pound GVW cars that can handle 111 tons.. Since the quality of track on shortline railroads is generally less than that of Class I railroads, it is likely that