System, apparatus and method for preparing materials transported in open top conveyance

A system for shaping particulate material located in a moving open top conveyance, the system comprising:

• a plow structure configured to engage the particulate material within the open top conveyance and to move the particulate material within the open top conveyance as the open top conveyance moves past the plow structure;
• and
• a support structure configured to support the plow structure relative to the open top conveyance such that the plow structure extends across a width of the open top conveyance;
• wherein the plow structure is moveably supported by the support structure such that the plow structure is moveable away from the open top conveyance to an elevated position at which the plow structure does not engage the particulate material and a lowered position at which the plow structure engages the particulate material within the open top conveyance.

A method of shaping particulate material in a train comprising a series of open top railroad cars, the method comprising:

• elevating a profiling structure to a position above a forward end wall of one of the railroad cars such that the railroad car is permitted to pass under the profiling structure;
• lowering the profiling structure toward the railroad car such that the profiling structure engages the particulate material in the railroad car;
• shaping the particulate material in the railroad car by engagement of the profiling structure with the particulate material as the railroad car moves under the profiling structure;
• compacting the particulate material in the railroad car through application of a downward force to the particulate material within the railroad car, following shaping by the profiling structure;
• and
• following shaping, elevating the profiling structure to a position above a rear end wall of the railroad car such that the rear end wall of the railroad car is permitted to pass under the profiling structure.