RAILROAD GLOSSARY Freight Rail Handbook Dump Car A car from which the load is discharged either through doors or by tipping the car body. Electrically Locked Switch A hand-operated switch equipped with an electrically controlled device that restricts the movement of the switch. Embargo An order prohibiting the acceptance and/or handling of freight at certain points or via certain routes due to emergencies, congestion, strikes, etc. Empty Car Freight car without a load. Engine A locomotive unit propelled by any form of energy. It is also a combination of such units operated from a single control. Engineer The operator of a locomotive. Equipment Initial and Number Identifying information stenciled on transportation equipment. See Car Initial and Number. Equipment Initial and Number Identifying information stenciled on transportation equipment. See Car Initial and Number. Equipment Pools Established to facilitate car supply and prevent contamination of the shipper’s product. There are three basic types of pools: Agency Pools: Cars in an agency pool are assigned to a local agent and are returned empty to that agent when unloaded at the ultimate destination. Car Management Pools: Cars are assigned for service to a particular commodity, industry, or location by Car Management to fill car orders. Customer Pools: Cars in a customer pool are reserved for loading by a specified shipper only. Excepted Track A segment of track that is identified in special instructions, where: No train shall be operated at speeds more than 10 MPH. No revenue passenger train shall be operated. No freight train shall be operated that contains more than five cars required to be placarded by the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR). Excessive Dimension See High-Wide. Extra Train A train not authorized by a timetable schedule. It may be designated as: Extra: for any extra train, except work extra. OR Passenger extra: for any extra train authorized by train order. Facing Movement The movement of a train over the points of a switch which face in a direction opposite to that in which the train is moving. FAK Freight of All Kinds. A term used to indicate that the lading of a trailer or container load is mixed. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) One of seven major branches under the Department of Transportation. The FRA deals with matters pertaining to railroads and their operations. Flagman An extra crewman (usually the brakeman) assigned to duties at the rear end of the train and used to flag traffic.