RAILROAD GLOSSARY Freight Rail Handbook Hump That part of a track that is elevated so that when a car is pushed over it and uncoupled, the car rolls down the other side by gravity. Hump Yard A switching yard with an elevated track or hump over which cars are pushed by a switch engine so that they travel by gravity to classification tracks. Industrial Track A switching track serving industries, such as warehouses, mines, mills, factories, etc. Initial and Number The two parts of car identification. Together, they constitute the car number. Interchange The transfer of cars from one railroad to another at a common junction point. Interchange Track A track on which freight is delivered by one transportation carrier to another. Interline Shipment Freight moving from point of origin to destination over the lines of two or more railroads. Intermodal A flexible way of transporting freight over water, highway and rail without being removed from the original transportation equipment, namely a container or trailer. Intermodal or Piggyback Facility A loading and/or unloading ramp for TOFC/COFC traffic only. The ramp may or may not be adjacent to a freight yard. Intermodal Train A freight train that consists of any combination of roadrailer equipment, double-stack or pedestal flat cars, and flat cars equipped for TOFC, COFC, multi-level auto-rack or auto frames. Junction Point at which two or more carriers interchange freight. Lead Track An extended track connecting either end of a yard with the main track. Leased Track Track (s) assigned to a user through a written agreement. Leased Tracks will be treated the same as private tracks. Private cars will not be subject to demurrage while stored on lease tracks. Less Than Carload (LCL) The quantity of freight less than that required for the application of a carload rate. Less Than Trailer Load (LTL) Term applied to a shipment that does not fill a trailer or container. Light Engine An engine moving without caboose or cars attached. Line Capacity The maximum number of trains that can operate safely and reliably over a given segment of track during a given period of time. Line Haul The movement of freight by a carrier over its line or part of its line, excluding switching, pick-up or delivery.