open wagons form a large group of railway goods wagons designed primarily for the transportation of bulk goods that are not moisture-retentive and can usually be tipped, dumped or shovelled. the international union of railways (uic) distinguishes between ordinary wagons (class e/uic-type 5) and special wagons (f/6). open wagons often form a significant part of a railway company's goods wagon fleet; for example, forming just under 40% of the deutsche bahn's total goods wagon stock in germany.