RAILROAD GLOSSARY Freight Rail Handbook Crossover Two turnouts with the track between the frogs arranged to form a continuous passage between two nearby and generally parallel tracks. Crossover Track Two turnouts with the track between their frogs arranged to form continuous passage between two nearby and generally parallel tracks. It forms a connection between tracks. Curfew A timeframe when train traffic is ceased or re-routed so the maintenance of a track or tracks can be performed by Engineering Department personnel. Cut Several cars coupled together anywhere, such as several cars set out from a train. OR To uncouple a car. OR That part of the right-of-way, which is cut through a hill, below ground, etc. Demurrage A penalty charge assessed by railroads for the detention of cars by shippers or receivers of freight beyond a specified free time. Derail (AKA Jack, Jackknife, or Monkey) See Derailment. OR A track safety device designed to guide railway rolling stock off the rails at a selected spot as a means of protection against collisions or other accidents. Derailment Any time the wheels of a rail car or engine come off the rails, usually accidentally. Destination The location to which a shipment is consigned. Destination Road The railroad, which terminates a shipment at destination. Dispatcher (Train) Employee responsible for directing and monitoring the movement of trains. Diversion Change in destination or routing before arrival of shipment at original destination. A change made in the instructions covering a shipment in transit - may be a change in destination, route, name of consignee, name of consignor, party to notify, etc. Division That portion of a railroad assigned to the supervision of a division superintendent. Drop-Bottom Car A gondola with a level floor, equipped with a number of drop doors for discharging the load. Drop-End Gondola A gondola with end doors that can be dropped when the car is used for shipping long material that extends over more than one car. Dry Vans Trailer with sidewalls, usually constructed of sheet aluminum, with vertical posts providing rigidity at point of attachment for plywood lining and interior securement devices such as belt rails. Some have sidewalls constructed of fiberglas-reinforced plastic. They may be equipped with side doors to facilitate special unloading requirements. Usually 40’ to the newer 53’ lengths. Dual-Controlled Switch A power-operated switch that can also be operated by hand.