RAILROAD GLOSSARY Freight Rail Handbook Capacity (Freight Car) The normal load in pounds, cubic feet, or gallons, which the car is designed to carry. These figures are stenciled on the car and are identified as “CAPY.” Capacity is not to be confused with load limit, which is the maximum weight that can be loaded on a given car. Car Day An expression referring to the number of days a car owned by one railroad is on the line of another railroad. Car Dumper A device for quickly unloading bulk materials such as coal or grain from a freight car. After being clamped to the rail, the car is then tilted or rolled over to discharge the lading. Car Initial and Number An identification number comprised of initials, which indicate the ownership of the car, and a number, which specifies the type of car. Car Mile The movement of a car the distance of one mile. A term used in statistical data. Car Order A railroad document used to direct a particular type of empty equipment for loading at an industry. OR Common term used for Car Service Rules, Special Car Orders and Circulars. Car Ownership A term, which refers to the party to which a car belongs. Possible types of car ownership are CSX owned, CSX leased, private, and foreign. Carrier Another name for a transportation company. Center Beam (AKA Center Sill) The longitudinal structural member of a car under frame, often constructed as a large box section or hat section. The center sill receives all of the buff and draft forces created in train handling and switching. Centralized Traffic Control A term applied to a system of railroad operation by means of which the movement of trains over routes and through blocks on a designated section of track or tracks is directed by signals controlled from a designated section of track or tracks without requiring the use of train orders and without the superiority of trains. Centralized Traffic Control System (CTC) A semi-automated means of ensuring rapid and safe movement of trains. Centralized Train Dispatching System (CTDS) A system by which train and on-track equipment movements are governed by controlled signals and/or instructions of a train dispatcher from a centralized location. Classification Code A destination and routing code used on switch lists for ease in switching cars. Classification Switching The sorting and assembling of railway cars in station or delivery order for making up or breaking up trains or yard cuts. Cars are sorted and assembled by their destination. Classification Yard The place where cars are segregated by carriers according to their destinations or deliveries and are made ready for proper train movement or delivery.