RAILROAD GLOSSARY Freight Rail Handbook Clearance or Clearance Limits The dimensions beyond which the size of or projections on a shipment may not extend in order to clear obstructions such as tunnels, switch stands, platforms, bridges, utility poles, or other hazards along the right of way. Clearance Point The location on a turnout at which the carriers’ specified clearance is provided between tracks. Clearance-Implicated Shipment Any shipment loaded on a flat car, gondola, or moving on its own wheels, which also exceeds published clearance limitations for the specific route of movement and/or otherwise restricted shipment requiring specific operating handling procedures for safe movement. COFC (Container on Flat Car) Freight loaded in containers and transported by rail on flat cars. Sometimes called piggyback, pig, or tote. Coil Steel Car A gondola specially fitted to haul coil steel. Commodity Article of commerce (lading). Goods being shipped. Common Carrier A transportation company that carries property and passengers for compensation. Common Tariff A tariff published by or for two or more transportation carriers. Constructive Placement When, due to some disability on the part of the consignor or consignee, a car cannot be placed for loading or unloading and is placed elsewhere, it is considered as being under constructive placement and subject to demurrage rules and charges, the same as if it were actually placed at the designated point. Container Weatherproof box designed for bulk shipment of freight. It is generally used for overseas shipments. Container Car A flat or open top car, such as a gondola equipped with a number of removable containers, which may be lifted off the car and transported to a desired destination. Continuous Welded Rail (AKA Ribbon Rail, Welded Rail) Rail, welded in lengths from 1/4 mile to one mile. Contract Written agreement which may contain rates, routes, and/or provisions for specific services. Covered Gondolas Gondolas, which have been equipped with some form of removable, cover which can be placed over the lading to protect it in transit from weather exposure. Used primarily for loading sheet steel in coils or bundles without the necessity of packing. Covered Hopper Car A hopper car with a permanent roof, roof hatches, and bottom openings for unloading. Used for carrying cement, grain, or other bulk commodities. Cow Catcher An iron frame on the front of a locomotive or streetcar that clears the track.