RAILROAD GLOSSARY Freight Rail Handbook Bill of Lading A shipping document that is both a receipt for property to be transported and a contract for hauling it, stating the terms, conditions, and liabilities under which property is accepted for transportation. The principal Bill of Lading types are: Clean: A bill of lading without notation of damage or shortage of property. Domestic: Covers shipments within the U.S.A. Export: Covers shipment to a foreign country. Government: A special shipping document that is used in making shipment for the U.S. Government. Block A track section of defined limits. In signaled territory, a block is the track section between two consecutive block signals governing movements in the same direction. It is also the track section from a block signal to the end of signaled territory. Block of Cars A group of cars routed for a common destination that is not necessarily the final destination. Block Signal An absolute or intermediate signal at the entrance to a block that governs the movement of trains using that block. Block Signal System A method of governing the movement of trains into or within one or more blocks that use signals. Blocking and Bracing (Procedures) Wood or metal supports to keep shipments in place in or on cars, trailers, etc., as safety precautions for loading rail shipments which must be in accordance with the regulations of the STB, FRA, and the AAR. Blue Flag A metal sign placed on a track or equipment that signifies that employees are working on, under, or between equipment on that track. Book or Rules Set of rules that govern the standard procedure by which employees are required to perform their assigned duties. Bowl A system of classification tracks resembling a bowl connected to the hump. The system is operated electronically and ensures that the cars are properly classified as they enter the hump. Box Car An enclosed car that has doors. It is used for general service and especially for lading that must be protected from the weather. Branch Line A rail line that serves one or more stations beyond the junction of the main line or another branch line. A feeder line that brings freight to main lines. Bridge Traffic Traffic received from and delivered to connecting carriers. Broad Gage When the distance between the heads of the rails is greater than 4 feet 9 inches. Bulk Freight Freight that is shipped loose rather than in packages. Bulk Transfer The transfer of bulk products, such as plastic pellets or liquid sweeteners, from one mode of transportation to another. Bulk transfer permits off-rail shippers and receivers of varied commodities to combine rail’s long-haul efficiencies with truck’s convenient door-to-door delivery. Bulkhead Flat A flat car with adjustable bulkheads at each end of the car. The car is used for transporting plywood, wall board, etc.