what is a freight train

A freight train, also known as a goods train or cargo train, is a type of train that is used to transport cargo, as opposed to passengers. Freight trains are made up of one or more locomotives that provide propulsion, along with one or more railroad cars (also known as wagons) that carry freight. Freight trains are especially suited to carrying bulk and heavy loads over longer distances due to the low friction inherent to rail transport. A wide variety of cargos are carried on trains, including bulk material, intermodal containers, general freight, or specialized freight in purpose-designed cars. Freight trains often operate between classification yards, which are hubs where incoming freight trains are received, and then broken up, with the cars then being assembled into new trains for other destinations. Freight trains are rarely named, unlike passenger trains.