RAILROAD GLOSSARY Freight Rail Handbook Train An engine, with or without cars, displaying a marker. Train Control A safety device on locomotives, which is interconnected to the fixed signal system and provides the engineer with continuous information on the occupancy and/or condition of the track ahead. Train Crew (AKA Switchman) Conductor, Engineer, and Brakeman. Train Dispatcher The employee responsible for the movement of trains. Trainmaster Supervisor who controls train operations within a specific area. Transload Two or more shipments in the same car for different consignees to be stopped en route and transferred to different cars for independent delivery. OR The transfer of lading from one car to another due to a derailment or mechanical failure of the equipment. UMLER (Universal Machine Language Equipment Register) A computer file, maintained by the Transportation Division of the AAR in Washington, D.C., containing specific details on railroad equipment (specifications manual found in the official Railway Equipment Register). Unit Train A train operating generally intact between point of origin and final destination, normally hauling a single bulk commodity, composed of like cars, equipped with high-tensile couplers. Waybill A shipping document prepared by a carrier at the point of origin showing the point of origin, destination, route, shipper, consignee, description of shipment, weight, charges and other data necessary to rate, ship and settle. It is forwarded with the shipment by mail, TDCC transmission or EDI transmission to the foreign road agent at the interchange point or mailed to destination. Welded Rail Rail, welded in lengths of up to one mile. Well Car A flat car with a depression or opening in the center that allows the load to extend below normal floor level. Work Train A train that is assigned to serve the maintenance-of-way department in track repair and maintenance. Wye Track An arrangement of tracks in the form of a “Y,” used for turning engines, cars, and trains. Yard A system of tracks other than main tracks and sidings. A yard is used for making up trains, for storing cars, and for other purposes. Yard Engine An engine being used in yard service. Yardmaster Person responsible for control of trains and engines operating within a yard.