Excerpt from the report Preface: Fresh asparagus is one of the most perishable of vegetables. Prompt and thorough refrigeration is needed to maintain its quality during marketing. Shipping costs are reduced for heavy loads. These studies were conducted to determine adequacy of refrigeration of heavy loads in both the conventional and in new types of railway cars to take advantage of these reduced costs. This report is part of a broad program of continuing research to improve marketability of farm products and reduce costs.