What was the purpose of refrigerated railroad car?

Refrigerated railroad cars were invented to transport perishable goods over long distances. Before the development of refrigerated rail cars, perishable goods such as meat, dairy, and produce were difficult to transport over long distances because they would quickly spoil. Refrigerated rail cars allowed for the transportation of these goods over long distances by providing a controlled environment that kept the goods cold and fresh. This allowed for a greater availability of perishable goods, as well as a greater variety of goods available in different regions.