Glossary of Railway Terms

AAR: Association of American Railroads The central coordinating and research agency of the American railway industry. This agency deals with matters of common concern in the whole field of railroading from operations to public relations.

AAR Car Type Standard coding scheme for classifying cars, composed of a leading alpha character to describe the general type of car (e.g. box car) and three numeric digits, each describing a separate characteristic of the car.

AAR Pool Number A seven-digit numeric code assigned to pools reported to the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

AAR Pool Type An alpha character code designated by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) that defines the type of pool, e.g. G is a pool containing contaminated cars.

Abandon A proceeding wherein a carrier seeks authority to abandon all or parts of its route.

Abandonment of Freight Freight that is refused due to damage in transit.

Absorption of Charges A carriers payment of switching or other special charges out of its share of the earnings, to another carrier, without increase of the rate or change to the shipper.

Absolute Control Order A high priority control order entered by Car Management to direct the movement of empty cars. Certain event reports trigger an automatic application of cars to an ACO.

Acceptance Receipt by the consignee of a shipment.

Accessorial Service A service rendered by a carrier in addition to a transportation service, such as stopping in transit to complete loading or to partially unload, heating, and storage.

Act of God An irresistible superhuman cause, such as no reasonable human foresight, prudence, diligence and care can anticipate or prevent.

Actual Value Rates Rates published to correspond to the actual value of the property offered for transportation.

Ad Valorem According to value.

Advance Charge The amount of freight or other charge on a shipment advanced by one carrier to another, or to the

shipper, to be collected from the consignee.

Advance Consist A train document which is either automatically generated to a downline reporting station when a trains departure is reported or is requested via train document requests. This document includes cars sorted by train blocks, reported to arrive at a location on a particular train. Information concerning the car such as load/empty status, commodity, consignee, and destination data is also included.

Advance Notice Notification to the customer of intended action or an approaching event.

Agency Legal agreement or contractual arrangement by which one party is authorized to act as the representative, or in place of another.

Agent A person authorized to transact business for and in the name of another.

Agreed Valuation The value of a shipment agreed upon to give the shipper a specific rating and the carrier a definite liability.

Agreed Weight The weight prescribed by agreement between carrier and shipper for goods shipped in certain packages or in a certain manner in order to circumvent weighing.

Air Problems Any issues associated with the train line or air brake system, including leaking gasket, etc.

Allowance 1. A deduction from weight or value of shipment 2. An amount given in repayment.

Alternative Routing Clause A provision that carriers may, if necessary, use routes other than usual or designated routes; the rates shown in tariff will apply.

Alternative Rates Provision in a tariff that whichever of two or more rates produces the lowest charge may be used.

Amended Items When, through error or changed conditions, it is necessary to change the provisions of an item in a transportation publication, the change is made by issuing an amended item in full, in its revised form.

Amendment A change, correction, or alteration.

Angle Bars Short pieces of steel used to join track sections to other sections or track structures.

Anticipated Consist (Inbound) A list requested prior to the receipt of a Detail Advance Consist that is customized to show all the cars scheduled to arrive at a given location.

Any Quantity Rate

A rate that applies regardless of the amount shipped.

Application of Rates The points, from, to, or between, which the rates and routes shown in the tariff apply.

Application of Tariff The territory, or points within a territory, from, to, or between which the provisions and rates shown in the tariff apply.

Area of Responsibility The geographical territory that is the responsibility of a particular section of an Operations Control Center.

Arrival Notice A notice, furnished to the consignee, of the arrival of freight.

Assignee One to whom a right or property is transferred.

Assignor One by who a right or property is transferred.

Astray Freight Freight which bears marks indicating owner and destination, but for which no billing is found.

Audit Number A freight station accounting code (FSAC); a carrier-assigned unique number for every station that originates billing. Accounting systems use audit numbers and billing roads to identify stations.

Authority of Law When property being transported is sized by lawfully authorized authorities and taken from the carrier, and the carrier notifies the consignor of the seizure.

Autobill System whereby a customer service representative can create a paper hardcopy of a waybill at the same time the waybill is prepared and sent via computer.

Autorack A rail car used to transport automobiles. It usually contains three ramps and metal side panels to protect the automobiles.

Average Agreement (Demurrage) An agreement between the shipper or receiver of goods and a transportation line by which the shipper or receiver is charged for cars held over a specified free time and given credit for cars released in less than the specified time. This is usually averaged at the end of each month.

Back Haul To handle a shipment in the direction of the light flow of traffic.

Bad Order A freight car loaded improperly, mechanically defective, or has safety violations.

Basing Point A point in which the to and from rates are used in constructing through rates between other points.

Behind X Trims Trims are sorted tracks of cars in a hump yard pulled out of the sorting tracks and coupled to make up outbound trains.

Belt Line A short line operating within and/or around a city.

Beneficial Owner The actual owner of the lading, who is using a consolidator.

Bi-Level A freight car that has two decks, an upper and a lower, and is designed for transporting automobiles.

Billed Weight The weight shown in a freight bill.

Bill of Lading A shipping form which is both a receipt for property and a contract for delivery of goods by a carrier.

Billing Carrier (Bill Road) The carrier performing the first-line haul service of the movement. This carrier is responsible for preparing the waybill document.

Block (Operating) Unit in which a group of cars are moved towards the same destination.

Block (Revenue) Groups of points considered together for rate-making purposes in connection with the express business.

Blocking or Bracing Wood or metal supports to keep shipments in place in or on railcars and trailers.

Bond of Indemnity An agreement made with a carrier relieving it from liability for any action on its part for which it would otherwise be liable.

Bonded Warehouse A warehouse owned by persons approved by the Treasury Department, under bond or guarantee for the strict observance of revenue laws, utilized for storing goods until duties are paid or goods are otherwise properly released.

Box Car A car with sides enclosed and having a roof; doors are placed in the sides or sides and ends.

Brake Beam The rigging under a freight car that connects the brake shoe with the air cylinder.

Brake Shoe The mechanical device activated by air pressure or by end, which pushes against the wheel and creates friction, producing a stopping action.

Branch Line A rail line serving one or more stations beyond the point of junction with the mainline or another branch line.

Break Bulk To remove all or a portion of the contents of a car for transportation to points beyond.

Break Bulk Point The point at which a portion or all of the contents of a car are unloaded and distributed.

Bridge Move A railroad movement involving at least three road-haul carriers at which a specific railroad is neither the first nor the last carrier.

Broker An individual who acts as an agent for a customer who is attempting to route a care to a customer in Mexico or Canada.

Brokerage License Authority granted by the Interstate Commerce Commission to persons to engage in the business of arranging for transportation of persons or property in interstate commerce.

Building Trains Assembling sorted cars in proper sequence for outbound departure.

Bulk Train made up of a single bulk commodity and car type. Bulk commodities include coal, grain, soda ash and ore.

Bulk Freight Freight not in packages or containers.

Bulkhead A permanent load securement device attached crosswise of a car that is used to prevent lengthwise movement of lading and/or to restrain or contain the lading into sections.

Bunching The accumulation and tender of cars for loading or unloading in excess of orders or contrary to customary schedules.

Caboose A freight train car usually attached to the rear of a train for the use of trainmen in giving and receiving signals, handling car records, and performing other duties.

Cancellation of Rate or Tariff Removing the application of a rate or rates or tariff b appropriate supplemental cancellation.

Capacity Amount of freight which can be carried in a railcar or trailer expressed in terms of weight and measurement.

Car Cycle The time a car is on a railway system without changing its load/empty status or having a new waybill issued for the car.

Car Hire Allowance A charge issued by the owner of a rail car.

Car Lining Material placed on the walls or floor of a car for protection of goods.

Car Mile A unit used in comparing freight earnings, or the amount earned from or the cost of hauling a car of freight one mile.

Car Pooling The pooling of certain equipment that is owned by two or more railroads under a central control or agency for the benefit of car owners and users.

Car Scheduling A system of assigning a trip plan that is based primarily on waybill data. Cars are scheduled to the first available train that may carry the specific type of traffic into which they are categorized.

Car Service Rules Rules established by agreement between railroads in connection with the interchange of cars, dealing primarily with the selection of cars for loading and the return of foreign cars to the home road, loaded or empty.

Car Set Out Bad order in a train that has a mechanical defect and must be set out on line for repairs.

Cargo The lading of a vessel.

Carload The quantity of freight required for the application of a carload rate, or a car loaded to its weight or space-carrying capacity.

Carload Minimum Weight The least weight which a shipment is charged to obtain the carload rate.

Carload Rate The rate applicable to a shipment which equals, exceeds, or is charged for the carload minimum weight.

Carrier An individual, partnership, or corporation engaged in the business of transporting goods or persons.

Carriers Lien The right of a carrier to retain property it has transported as security for the freight charges.

Cartage Pick up or delivery of freight within the commercial zone of a city by the local carrier acting as an agent for the shipper or over-the-rail carrier.

Certificate of Origin A certified document as to the origin of the goods which is sometimes required in connection with foreign traffic.

Certificate of Weight An authoritative statement of the weight of a shipment.

Chassis

A rubber-tired trailer under-frame upon which containers are mounted for street or highway movement.

Claim Trace A request for advice concerning the status of a claim.

Claims A demand, supported by evidence, to show that the claimant has sustained a loss through the negligence of a carrier. These include damage claims, loss claims, overcharge claims, and reparation claims.

Class and Commodity Tariff One which contains both class and commodity rates

Class 1 Railroads Railroads with annual revenue above $1,000,000.

Class II Railroads Railroads with annual revenue from $100,000 to $999,999.

Class III Railroads Railroads with an annual revenue lower than Class II railroads.

Class Tariff A publication containing only class rates.

Classification Yard The place where cars are segregated by the carriers according to their destinations or delivers and made ready for proper train movement or delivery.

Classification (freight) A publication containing a list of articles and the classes to which they are assigned for the purpose of applying class rates.

Classification Job A switch engine moving cars from track to track within a classification yard to organize them in groups for their outbound move.

Clean Bill of Lading A bill of lading receipted by carrier for merchandise in good condition, which does ot bear such notations as shippers load and count.

Cleaning in Transit The stopping of articles in transit between points of origin and destination for cleaning, such as dried beans or peanuts.

Clear Record A record showing that a shipment was handled without loss or damage.

Clearance The amount of space above and beside transportation lines when they pass through tunnels or over bridges.

Clearance Tables Publications showing the clearance on rail lines, together with information such as the height of cars

that will pass specified points.

Clearing House A mutual agreement between railroads for the use of each others empty cars of specified mechanical designation without regard to some car service rules.

Cleat A strip of wood or metal used to add strength, prevent warping, or hold in position.

CLM Car Location Message. That part of the fleet system which deals with providing the fleet operator with information on car movement data for all cars in the fleet.

Closed Van Unit with metal sides and top completely enclosing the freight being transported.

Collector of Customs A representative of the US Treasury Department acting for the government in connection with foreign traffic.

Combination Rate A rate made by combining two or more local rates.

Combination Through Rate The rate that applies from origin to destination over a through route that does not enjoy a joint through rate and is made by combining two or more separate factors.

Commercial Zone Geographical area of commercial influence of a specified point.

Commodity Any article of commerce. Goods shipped.

Commodity Pool An assignment of cars established to handle a particular commodity, having no specific assignment location.

Commodity Rate A rate applied to a given article between specified points.

Commodity Tariff A publication which contains only commodity rates.

Common Carrier A transportation line engaged in the business of handling persons or goods for compensation.

Common Point A point reached by two or more transportation lines.

Compartment Tank Car A tank car with compartments or separate tanks in which different kinds or grades of liquids may be transported.

Compartmentizer Car A boxcar equipped with movable bulkheads which can be used to divide the car into separate

compartments.

Competitive Point A point at which two or more transportation lines compete for the movement of traffic.

Competitive Rate Rate published to meet the competition of another carrier.

Connecting Carrier A carrier which has a direct physical connection with another or forming a connecting link between two or more carriers.

Consignee The individual or organization to which freight is shipped.

Consignor The individual or organization shipping freight to a consignee.

Constructive Placement When, due to some inability on the part of the consignor/consignee, a car cannot be placed for loading/unloading at a point previously designated, it is placed elsewhere.

Container A receptacle that resembles a truck trailer without wheels that is lifted onto flat cars.

C.O.F.C. Container (without chassis) on flat cars.

Continuous Carriage Movement from origin to destination without delays other than the delays related to transportation.

Contraband Illegal or prohibited traffic.

Contract Carrier Carriers who transport passengers or property under special and individual contracts or agreements.

Crews are Tight Sufficient crews are available, but rest issues may cause delays to calls.

Crews Short Not enough crews are available to protect scheduled outbounds and any deadheads/dogcatch events.

Cross-Overs Track that joins two main tracks.

CTC Outage When track signals are disabled and do not allow signals to be displayed for trains.

Cubical Capacity The carrying capacity of a railcar or trailer according to the measurement in cubic feet.

Cubic Foot 1728 cubic inches.

Curfew

A time period scheduled in advance when no trains operate, allowing maintenance employees to work on track or signals.

Custom Broker One who collects and presents necessary documentation to government customs officers on behalf of a shipper/receiver of goods on international shipments.

Custom House The government building where tolls or duties placed on imports or exports are collected and where vessels are entered or cleared.

Custom Tariff Schedule charges assessed by the government on imports or exports.

Customs Duties Amount payable to the government on goods imported or exported.

Cut Two or more cars coupled.

Damage Free A freight car designed to handle freight with a minimum of damage to the lading.

Deadhead Movement of a crew from one point to another or to train by vehicle transportation or by train.

Declared Valuation The valuation placed on a shipment when delivered to a carrier.

Delivering Carrier The transportation line by which a shipment is delivered to the consignee.

Delivery Switch Road The road that delivers cars to a customer when the final road haul does not serve the customer.

Demurrage A charge made on cars or other shipments held by or for consignor or consignee for loading or unloading, for forwarding directions or any other purpose.

Density The weight of an article or container per cubic foot. The number of tons carried over a line in a unit of time.

Destination Road The carrier performing the line haul service nearest the point of destination and not a carrier performing merely a switching service at the point of destination.

Detail Advance Consist A sequential listing of all cars scheduled to arrive at a given location on a particular train.

Detail Train List A sequential listing for the crew of all cars on a train.

Detention A charge made on vans/containers held by or for a consignor/consignee for loading or unloading.

Detention is comparable to demurrage on rail equipment.

Differential The difference established between rates from related points of origin, or to related points of destination.

Differential Rate A rate established via a route from one point to another by deducting a fixed amount from, or adding a fixed amount to, the rate via another route between the same points.

Dispatchers A group of people responsible for identifying which trains should move through which corridors, and at what speed, as well as what trains must move to a siding to let another pass.

Distance Rate Rate applicable according to mileage.

Diversion A change made in the route of a shipment in transit.

Divert To change the route of a shipment in transit.

Division of Revenue The apportionment by carriers of revenue received from joint traffic.

DPU (Distributed Power Unit) Placed in the middle or at the rear of heavy trains to help climb steep grades.

Dragging Equipment Detector Electronic trackside detection systems that identifies unusual conditions, such as brake rigging down.

Due Bill Bill rendered by a carrier for under charges.

Dunnage The material used to protect or support freight in or on rail cars or trailers.

Duty A tax levied by a government on the importation, exportation or used and consumption of goods.

EDI Electronic Data interchange. The process of sending and retrieving information electronically.

Elevator A building constructed for the handling of grain.

Elkins Act A law prohibiting departure from published tariff provisions, making rebates and concessions illegal.

Embargo To resist or prohibit the acceptance and handling of freight.

Emergency Rate A rate established to meet an immediate need, without due regard to the usual rate factors.

Eminent Domain The power to take property for a necessary public use with reasonable compensation. It is applicable to transportation lines, as they are held to be performing a public function.

En Routes Count of trains destined to a particular yard or terminal that need to be switched.

Engine A term frequently used in referring to a locomotive.

Equipment The rolling stock of a carrier.

Estimated Weight The weight specifically stated in tariffs for goods shipped in certain packages or in a certain manner.

Ex Parte From only one party.

Exceptions to Classifications Publications containing rules and ratings different from those contained in the major classifications.

Exchange Bill of Lading A bill of lading issued in exchange for another bill of lading.

Expiration Notice A notice in a publication that all or some part of it will become inoperative at a stated time.

Export To send goods to a foreign country.

Express Service A service intended for the prompt dispatch of perishable property, valuable property and any other traffic that requires quick delivery.

Extra Board Unassigned engineers or trainmen used to protect vacancies or make up extra crews as needed.

Fabrication Stoppage of metal goods while in transit for further manufacture.

False Billing Any method of billing freight to receive charges other than the lawful charges on the shipment.

Fixed Charges Charges which do not vary with an increase or decrease in traffic.

Flat Car A freight car having a floor without any housing or body above. Frequently sued to carry car trailers or oversized/odd-shaped commodities.

Fleet A group of cars defined by a customer or in-house user.

Foreign Car

Any car not belonging to the particular railway on which it is running.

Foreign Carrier A term used by a carrier in making references to all other carriers collectively.

Forward Bill A railroad movement involving at least two railroad carriers.

FRA Federal Railroad Administration. The FRA deals specifically with transportation policy as it affects the nations railroads and is responsible for the enforcement of rail safety laws.

Free Port A definite area at a seaport for handling duty-exempt import goods.

Freight Goods or property transported.

Destination Freight Bill A bill rendered by a transportation line to a consignee, giving a description of the freight, the name of the shipper, point of origin, weight, and amount of charges.

Prepaid Freight Bill A bill rendered by a transportation line a shipper, giving a description of the freight, the names of the consignee and destination, weight, and amount of charges.

Freight Charge The charge assessed for transporting freight.

Freight Claim A demand upon a carrier for the payment of overcharge or loss or damage sustained by shipper or consignee.

Freight Forwarder One who assembles small shipments into one large shipment which is then tendered to a regulated over-the-road carrier. Upon reaching the destination, the shipment is delivered into small shipments and delivered.

Freight House The station facility of a transportation line of receiving and delivering freight.

Freight Rate A figure representing the amount charged for a given unit of weight between two points.

Frogs Heavy metal flangeways that connect track to switches, diamonds, cross-overs and other track structures. Frogs guide wheels from one track structure to another.

Gateway A point through which freight commonly moves from one territory to another.

General Hold Placing a car in a non-movement status when no other hold event is applied.

General Order

A fixed rule that import goods will be stored in a bonded warehouse unless cleared through customs within 48 hours after the ship reports to the Collector of Customs.

General Service Car A car that is not specially equipped, is not included in the various AAR car service directives, is handled per AAR car services rules, is used for general purpose loading.

Gondola A car used to haul bulk commodities and heavy metals. This car type has sides and ends and a level floor.

Grain Door Boards placed against the door of a car to prevent leakage of grain.

Gross Ton 2,240 pounds.

Gross Weight As applied to a car or trailer, the weight of the equipment together with the weight of the entire contents.

Guide Book A tariff containing instructions for waybilling and routing shipments, which gives bases for rates to certain points.

Haulage A legal agreement between two rail partners.

Hazardous STCC A commodity code for materials which are explosive, flammable, radioactive, or corrosive. Their movement is highly regulated.

Heater Service The protection of freezable freight by use of a heater.

Hold Track A track on which cars are held awaiting disposal orders.

Hopper A car (covered or open top) with a floor that slopes from the ends and sides and discharges its contents through gravity through doors on the bottom.

Hot Box The end of each axle on a pair of wheels under a freight car extends into a journal box, and rotates under a brass sleeve. If there is not lubricant between the brass and the axle, then friction will cause that journal to run hot.

Hot Cut The process of assigning a destination to equipment received from an interchange carrier before a waybill can be provided for that equipment. The waybill must catch up with the equipment before it arrives at the destination.

Hot Shot Train with very high priority compared to other trains.

Hot Wheels Overheating of a rail cars wheels due to sticking brakes and brake shoes rubbing against the wheel tread.

Hump Yard A switching yard with an elevated track or hump over which cars are pushed by a switching locomotive to travel by gravity to a classification track or other designated points.

Humped Count of cars that are sorted in a hump yard.

Humpers Trains destined to a hump yard.

Icing Placing ice in cars, either prior to or during transportation.

Illegal Rate One that is not published in accordance with the law.

Import To receive goods from a foreign country.

In bond Shipments moving under US Customs Bond.

Index of Tariffs A publication which lists all the tariffs to which the agent or carrier issuing same is a party.

Individual Tariff One issued by a transportation line.

Industry Track Track used for serving a particular industry or industries.

Inflammable Liquids Liquids which become combustible at a certain temperature.

Initial Carrier The transportation line to which a shipment is delivered by the shipper.

Initial Point The point at which a shipment originates.

Inland Carrier A transportation line which hauls export or import traffic between ports and inland points.

Interchange Transfer of freight from one carrier to another.

Interchange Points A terminal at which freight in the course of transportation is delivered by one transportation line to another.

Interline

Between two or more transportation lines.

Interline Freight Freight moving from point of origin to destination over the lines of two or more transportation lines.

Interline Waybill A waybill covering freight which moves over two or more carriers.

Intermediate Carrier A transportation line over which a shipment moves but on which neither the point of origin nore destination is located.

Intermediate Switching Switching service which includes all the elements of switching performed by a carrier which neither originates nor terminates the shipment nor receives a line haul on that shipment.

Intermodal The movement of freight by two or more modes of transportation.

In the Hole At the meeting point of opposing trains, one train holds the main and the other takes the hole.

Inter-terminal Switching A switching move performed by two railroads.

Intra-Plant Switching A switching move performed by moving equipment from one location to another location within the same industry.

Intra-Terminal Switching A switching move performed by one railroad, by moving equipment from one industry to another within the same switching limits of a terminal.

Issuing Carrier The carrier by which a tariff is published or bill of lading or other documents are issued.

Jacket A wood or fiber cover placed around containers.

Joint Agent A person with power to transact business for two or more carriers.

Joint Industry An industry served by more than one railroad.

Junction Point A point where two or more transportation lines meet or a point at which a branch line track connects with the main line track.

Lading The freight in or on a rail car, trailer, or container.

Last Contained A term referring to an empty car that still has residue of the previous commodity it carried. Significant if the commodity was hazardous.

Less than Carload Shipments of less than carload volume.

Line Haul The movement of freight over the routes of a carrier from one city to another city.

Local A freight train that does station work between its originating and terminating stations.

Local Move A railroad movement in which only one road haul carrier participates.

Local Outbound Block Identification A local label placed on a group of cars that have either a common destination or a common set out location.

Maintenance of Way The process of maintaining roadbed (rail, ties, ballast, bridges, etc.) These materials are hauled in special maintenance of way cars, which also include cars that are equipped with heavy equipment, such as cranes and tie inserters.

Manifest A document containing a complete description of the contents of a car.

Market Capacity The carrying capacity of a car as indicated by the figures stenciled on the side of the car.

Marks Letters, numbers, and/or characters placed on a package for purpose of identification.

Measurement of Cargo Cargo on which the transportation charge assessed, on the basis of measurement.

Mechanical Instructions An order issued against a car that imposes restrictions on the movement or routing of the car because of mechanical requirements.

Mileage Allowance An allowance, based on distance, made by carriers to owners of private cars for the use of their equipment.

Milling in Transit The stoppage of commodities while in transit for the purpose of milling, such as stopping wheat for grinding, corn for shelling, etc.

Missed Carload A carload of different articles in a single consignment.

National Pool An assignment of cars established to handle the requirement of a particular customer.

Net Weight As applied to car or trailer, the weight of the entire contents of the equipment.

Next System Destination

The next or final destination where a stop will happen.

Off Junction Location where interchange to another carrier takes place.

On Line Referring to the movement of cars on a specific railroad system only.

Operating Expense The cost incident to the actual handling of traffic.

Open and Prepay Station List A publication containing a list of freight stations in the US, Canada, and Mexico, with information as to whether freight may be sent to them collect or if charges must be prepaid.

Open Delivery In an Open Interchange Delivery, a car will remain on a railroad per diem account, but the connecting line will spot the car.

Open Receipt The railroad accepts the cars for placement at the customers plants; railroad places the cars and returns them to the originating carrier.

Package Freight Goods shipped in less than carload quantities.

Packing List A detailed specification as to goods packed.

Pad An area within a parking lot designated for a particular type of trailers, such as loaded outbound.

Pallet A wooden, paper, plastic or metal platform, on which packaged goods are placed.

Per Diem Charge A charge based on a fixed rate per day which one carrier makes against another for the use of its cars.

PICL Perpetual Inventory of Car Location a system of keeping track of cars within a yard as they are moved.

Piggy Back Transportation of a highway trailer on a railroad flat car.

Piggy Back Ramp An incline for loading and unloading trailers from a flat car.

Pigs A railroad term for trailers loaded on flat cars.

Pool An assigned group of cars used to satisfy the requirements of a particular customer at a specific location.

Pool Crew Base Number of crews determined by volumes and agreements to protect traffic levels at specific terminals.

Power Short Not enough power coming into the terminal to protect the scheduled outbound departures.

Precooling Reducing the temperature of refrigerator cars prior to loading.

Prepaid A term denoting that transportation charges have been or are to be paid at the point of shipment.

Private Car Cars whose ownership is vested in a person or company that is not engaged in the service of common carriage.

Private Sidetrack A siding owned or leased by a shipper or receiver of freight.

Pro Number The number used in identifying waybills and freight bills.

Pull Apart When two sections of rail separate at a point where they are joined. Rail shrinks in extremely cold weather. When the shrinkage pressure gets too severe, rail will pull apart at its weakest point, usually a joint.

Racks Equipment used in refrigerator cars for the protection of meats and other commodities. Also used to transport auto parts.

Ramp A structure from which trailers are driven onto or off a railroad flatcar.

Received Bill A railroad movement of at least two roadhaul carriers.

Reciprocal Switching A switching service performed for another railroad on loaded cars on which the other railroad receives a road haul.

Reconsignment A change, other than a change in route, made in a consignment before the arrival of the goods at their billed destination.

Record Rights The legal privilege or rights of one rail carrier to deliver in interchange an empty car to another carrier at a specific junction.

Recrew Crew used to bring a train into a terminal when the original crew has insufficient time to complete the trip.

Red Flag Warnings Weather alerts advising of situations affecting operations and requiring actions.

Refining in Transit

The stopping of shipments of sugar, oils, etc. at a point located between origin and destination to be refined.

Refrigeration The protection of perishable freight against heat.

Refused Freight Goods which the owner refuses to accept.

Relay Power Changing out a trains locomotive to correct a situation, such as bad order engines.

Reshipment Goods reshipped under conditions which do not make the act subject to the re-consignment rules of a carrier.

Restricted Articles Articles that will be accepted by carriers only under certain definite conditions.

Retarder A device for slowing the movement of cars being switched in a hump yard.

Reverse Route The exact reverse of the route a loaded car traveled from its destination.

Ribbon Rail Welded rail that is delivered in quarter mile length, then further welded after is laid.

Rip Track Location within a yard where cars are placed for major repairs or for major cleaning, conditioning or upgrading.

Roadhaul Move A movement of rail equipment from one terminal to another.

Round House A building used for repairing locomotives

SCO Shipper Car Order a request by a shipper to a railroad for empty cars of a certain type for loading.

Run Through Train that generally is not scheduled to add or reduce rail cars en route.

Schedule A list of prices or other information, such as a freight tariff, is often called a freight schedule.

Seal A device for fastening or locking the doors on a railcar or trailer.

Seal Numbers Seals are used to ensure the integrity of a shipment carried on a rail car. The seal is placed through the door handles and then locked. Each seal has a seal number.

Shipper

The owner of goods offered for carriage.

Shippers Export Declaration A form required by law to be filled out when goods are shipped to foreign countries.

Shippers Load and Count A term denoting that the contents were laded and counted by the shipper.

Shipping Order Instructions of shippers to carrier for forwarding of goods.

Shipping Permit A permit issued by a carrier authorizing its agent to accept certain shipments against which an embargo has been placed.

Shoofly Temporary track used to avoid an obstacle that blocks movement on the normal track section.

Shop Count Number of bad order rail cars at a repair facility.

Short Line A switch carrier or roadhaul carrier that is not a Class I carrier.

Siding A track parallel to the main track, having switches at both ends, used for meeting and passing trains.

Sidings Blocked Auxiliary tracks used to meet/pass trains now used to hold trains/cuts of cars, spacing/staging for terminals.

Special Conditions Information on a car to assure safe and proper handling by the operations department.

Special Instructions Orders issued by the customer that imposes restrictions on the movement and/or routing of a car.

Spur A track extending from and connected at only one end with other track.

SPLC Standard Point Location Code an industry-wide standard used to identify a location served by a common carrier.

Spotting Cars The placing of cars where required for loading or unloading.

Station A place designated in the timetable by name, at which a train may stop for traffic, or to enter or leave the main track, or from which fixed signals are operated.

Station Master A profile of the characteristics of a particular station stored in TCS.

STCC

Standard Transportation Commodity Codes Seven digit coding structure designed to classify all commodities or articles which move in freight transportation.

Stop The destination where a car is to perform a service or notify a customer.

Stoppage in Transit The holding of a shipment between point of origin and destination on order of the owner of the goods.

Storage A charge made on property stored.

Store Door Delivery The movement of goods to the consignees place of business.

Summary Advance Consist A summary by blocks of the contents of train for the use of office personnel.

Summary Train List A summary by blocks of the contents of a train for the use of train crews.

Switch To move cars from one track to another at the customers request for which there may or may not be a tariff charge.

Switch Road A carrier that has operating rights within one terminal only.

System Destination Online stop from station/yard, indicating that car will be put into yard hold.

Tank Car A car, the body of which consists of a tank for carrying liquids.

Tap Line A short railroad operated for the delivery of the output of some individual industry to truck lines.

Tare Weight The weight of a car/trailer exclusive of its contents.

Tariff A legal listing of rates used when moving regulated traffic by rail.

TDCC Transportation Data Coordinating Committee a set of standards for electronic communication of billing information.

Team Track A track on which cars are placed for the use of the public in loading or unloading freight.

Terminal Facilities provided by a railway at a terminal or at an intermediate point on its line for the handling of passengers or freight.

Terminal Charge

A charge made for services performed at terminals.

Through Rate A rate applicable through from point of origin to destination.

Tight on Power Power is adequate to protect departures, but some delays may occur due to late arrival and servicing of locomotives.

Timetable A schedule of the movement of trains.

Track The rails and ties over which engines and cars move.

TOFC Trailer on a flat car.

Tonnage is Current No trains holding, switching is current, no delays expected to traffic, resources are adequate to protect operations.

Trackage Rights The purchase, for a fee, of the right for one railroad to run on tracks owned by another.

Trailer The unit of a tractor-trailer combination in which freight is stored.

Train Block Trains are made up of train blocks, each with a unique destination on the route of the train.

Trains Blocked on Line Trains stopped between primary terminals and switched to further define the car blocks and to facilitate handling at the destination terminal.

Trains Drug Out Trains moved from origin yard to a siding between terminals to make room in the yard to continue to build trains.

Trains Flagging When a train crew has authority granted by a dispatcher to flag past a signal that is in stop indication due to a defect/event.

Trains Held Out The number of trains held on line (out) due to lack of room in the destination yard.

Trains Holding A count of trains being held either for congestion or for a maintenance-of-way curfew.

Trains Laid Down Trains with no arrival plan for a terminal. The crews have been removed and the power has been removed.

Trains Processed Number of trains operated through a defined area or terminal during a specified time period.

Trains Slotted Number of trains a terminal can process in a given time period, usually 24 hours.

Train Spacing Time spacing in which a terminal/subdivision can handle trains, such as one coal train every 30 minutes.

Train Staging Trains holding at a point on line for release to move into a terminal.

Trains Tied Down Trains holding on line for relief crews, MOW curfew, slot/spacing into a terminal.

Trains Walking When a track defect, such as a broken rail, has been determined by the engineering department to be passable at walking speed.

Trains Yarded Number of trains a terminal has yarded in a 24-hour period.

TRAIN II Tele Rail Automated Information Network the AAR computer serving as a hub of railroad network, used to communicate with other railroads and customers.

Transload To physically transfer product from one transportation vehicle to another.

Tri-Level A freight car, constructed to carry automobiles, which has three levels or decks.

Trim lead Track used to move cars from the bowl (sorting tracks) to the departure yard, where sorted cars are coupled into an outbound train.

Trimmed Count of sorted cars built into outbound trains.

Trip Plan A route defined by train blocks and train, assigned to cars to move them from origin to destination.

Trucks An assembly under each end of freight cars which consists of wheels, springs, axles, journal boxes, truck sides, brake rigging, etc.

UDE Undesired Emergency When air pressure contained within the air brake system is released, resulting in the application of train brakes.

UMLER Universal machine language equipment register a computer file of vital statistics for each railroad car in service.

Unit Trains Freight trains moving large tonnages of single bulk products between two points.

Volume Rate

A rate applicable in connection with specified volume of freight.

Washout When a flood or flash flood washes away ballast and roadway under track.

Waybill A document covering a shipment and showing the forwarding and receiving station, names of consignor/consignee, car initials and number, routing, description and weight of commodity, etc.

Windows Same as curfew, but can also mean holding trains for things other than MOW, such as operating passenger trains.

Work Order Document A written description of the work to be done by a crew on a given train or job.

Yard A system of tracks within defined limits designed for switching services.

Yard Block A name given to the grouping of cars in a yard which match as set of parameters defining this type of traffic.

Yardmaster An individual responsible for the direction of the switching functions performed in a yard.

ZTS Zone Track Spot a zone is a numeric designation for a yard or a group of tracks outside a yard served by an industrial switch engine or local freight train.