Growth in intermodal markets had the effect of steering railroads away from boxcars in the modern era. However, it became clear that there was a market for the development of new boxcars in paper products, as shippers require high-grade boxcars. This stands against the trend of declining boxcar development of the time. Modern builders, such as Gunderson, Trinity and Trenton-Works, set themselves to the task of developing competitive boxcars. These cars have a distinctively modern aesthetic; they are known as 'Paper Boxes.'
Illinois Central (IC): In 1996, Illinois Central purchased 200 Gunderson 6269 boxcars. These were delivered in a very industrial looking light gray paint scheme and IC’s “Death Star” logo.