What type of car would be used to haul scrap metal?

The gondola car is specifically designed for transporting bulk materials that don't require protection from the weather. This makes it especially suitable for hauling scrap metal, which is often loaded in bulk and can be stacked or piled high. Gondola cars have an open top that allows for easy loading and unloading, making them ideal for scrap operations where materials like metal are often dumped in or taken out without the need for a covered environment.

Other car types are not as suitable for scrap metal. For instance, box cars are enclosed and primarily meant for transporting goods that need protection from the elements, while tank cars are specialized for liquids and gases. Flat cars are generally used for large, heavy items that can be securely strapped down, but they are not as efficient for loose, bulk materials like scrap metal that can be better managed in a gondola.