Revised_Freight_Rail_Handbook_8 24 2012

FREIGHT
RAIL
HANDBOOK
Regional Development
u Company &
Industry
Information
u How Rail Works
u Doing Business
with CSX
u Key Contacts

Dear Friends,
On behalf of CSX, I want to thank you for
considering us for your client’s shipping
needs. We put the highest priority on
moving our customers’ goods safely
and efficiently, and look forward to
discussing how we can provide a
competitive advantage to them.
Please accept this handbook as a quick
reference on the rail industry, the benefits
that rail transportation provides and
information on how we can work together
to help drive significant benefits for your
client’s business for years to come. CSX’s
vision is to be the safest, most progressive
North American railroad, relentless in the
pursuit of customer and employee
excellence. This is our commitment
to you.
If you’d like to discuss an existing or new
project that could potentially benefit from
rail service or have any questions, please
contact your Industrial Development
Manager shown in this handbook.
If you would like more information on the
services we provide to our customers,
the benefits to the communities we serve,
or our focus on safety, productivity and
efficiency, you can quickly access further
information at www.csx.com.
Again, thank you for considering CSX
as a potential business partner. We look
forward to working together.
Sincerely,
Clarence W. Gooden
Executive Vice President of
Sales and Marketing and
Chief Commercial Officer
Welcome
from Executive Vice President of Sales and
Marketing and Chief Commercial Officer,
Clarence W. Gooden

CSX
CSX Overview
The Benefits of Rail
How Rail Works
DOING BUSINESS WITH CSX
CERTIFIED SITES
Railroad Glossary
Railroad Terms Glossary
Contents
Freight Rail Handbook

CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is
a leading transportation company providing
rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload
services.
Over a 21,000-mile rail network, CSX serves:
• Eastern markets, where nearly two-thirds of Americans live, who account for the majority
of the nation’s consumption of goods
• Every major population center east of the Mississippi River, including the New York, Philadelphia
and Boston markets in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic; the Southeast markets of Atlanta, Miami
and New Orleans; and the Midwestern cities of St. Louis, Memphis and Chicago
• More than 70 ocean, river and lake ports along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the Mississippi River,
the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway
• Thousands of production and distribution facilities through track connections to more than
240 short line and regional railroads
Major Networks and Markets
CSX’s train operations focus around four major transportation networks. These major networks are the Coal Network, the
Southeastern Corridor, the Interstate 90 Corridor and the Interstate 95 Corridor. The company’s business is concentrated
around three major transportation markets: coal, merchandise and intermodal transportation.
• The coal market comprises shipments of coal, coke and iron ore.
• The merchandise market represents shipments of chemicals, phosphate and fertilizers, automotive, emerging markets,
agricultural products, forest products, metals and food and consumer products.
• Intermodal links customers to railroads via trucks and terminals. Containers and trailers are loaded and unloaded from
trains, and trucks provide the link between intermodal terminals and the customer.
Regardless of where the company operates or what goods or commodities it is transporting, CSX is committed to operating
safely, in an environmentally responsible manner with the highest level of customer service.
C
CSX Overview

Memphis
St Louis
Evansville
Albany
Montreal
Syracuse
Buffalo
Ashtabula
Cleveland
Willard
Columbus
Cincinnati
Russell
Huntington
Garrett
Boston
Corbin
Nashville
Grand Rapids
Saginaw
Indianapolis
Chicago
Louisville
Newport News
Rocky Mount
Clifton Forge Richmond
BaltimoreCumberland
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Hamlet
Charleston
Wilmington
Birmingham
Atlanta
Augusta
Florence
SavannahMontgomery
Mobile
Tampa
Jacksonville
Waycross
New Orleans
Cayce
New York
Crestline
Erwin
Walbridge
CSX’s 21,000-mile rail network serves every major population center in 23 states east of the Mississippi
River, in the District of Columbia and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. An interactive
system map is available on www.csx.com.
CSX Overview

BENEFITS OF RAIL
CSX Rail: A Smart
Way to Move Freight
Freight rail is environmentally friendly: Moving only 10 percent more freight off the highways and
onto trains would cut CO2 emissions by 12 million tons each year. In 2011, one freight train could
move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on just one gallon of fuel. This makes freight trains the most
fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly way to move goods over land.
Freight rail reduces highway congestion:
One freight train can carry the same amount of freight as 280 trucks,
reducing congestion and wear and tear on public roads and bridges.
Freight rail creates jobs:
Every $1 billion in new rail investment would create an estimated
20,000 jobs nationwide. Freight railroads generate nearly $265
billion in total annual economic activity, and every freight rail job
supports an additional 4.5 jobs elsewhere in the economy.
CSX rail is cutting edge:
CSX offers cutting-edge customer-facing technologies that enables
customers to seamlessly plan, ship and track cargo on the network.
CSX invests in the future:
CSX invested $2.2 billion in its network in 2011, making it even
better by upgrading existing and building new critical transportation
infrastructure. In fact, the company expects to reinvest an average of
18 percent of revenues back into its business through 2015. CSX’s
commitment to meeting its customers’ needs well into the
future is clear.
Freight rail reflects America’s commitment to excellence:
For more than 180 years, CSX and its predecessors have served, moved, and supported the American
economy and provided a competitive advantage to the nation’s manufacturers and businesses.
CSX is a good neighbor:
Through grass-roots volunteerism and focused corporate giving, CSX is committed to strengthening
the bond between the company and the citizens of the towns through which it operates.

HOW RAIL WORKS
While a railroad’s sole purpose is to transport goods from one location to another,
the most important thing to remember is that a number of variables affect each situation.
Along the country’s various railroad networks, track systems and short line operations, there is a host of
factors that, when taken into careful consideration, determine the unique plan and process for each
individual shipment. Who conducts a shipment, what product is being transported, and where and
when the cargo is being shipped are just some of the factors that will influence how rail works.
Here, you’ll read about the way a rail system runs in the most general sense,
starting with the first step in a common three-step transport process.
The “How it Works” sections of this guide will outline major concepts of railroad
shipment related to each step along the way.
Step One: Establishing a location
from which to start new rail service.
A customer with plans to ship goods via rail must find or build a location on a railroad’s network.
In some cases, a pre-approved site may be available, while in others, an original site-establishing
plan may be required.
HOW IT WORKS - Merchandise vs.
Intermodal: Which network is required?
Like many railroad development teams, the CSX Regional
Development department offers solutions for an exclusively
merchandise network. Merchandise networks are distinct
from intermodal networks in a couple of ways. An intermodal
network transports strictly containers via truck and rail, and
ships from a manufacturer to a variety of distribution centers
and retail locations. Intermodal containers are loaded directly onto railroad “flatcars” to and from special
intermodal ramp locations that are placed in strategic areas within the railroad network. The containers’
“first mile and last mile” is delivered by a truck. These terminals have been shown to be attractive locations
for companies in the distribution warehouse business.
Intermodal trains are visually distinguished as very long trains carrying single or double-stacked containers.
They are often pictured arriving or leaving the nation’s marine ports, using cranes to load and unload the
container boxes. Customers needing intermodal services can be referred to CSXT’s Intermodal department.
A merchandise network, on the other hand, connects more than 5,000 different producers of
merchandise directly to receivers 100% via a rail system. These trains may include mixed goods such as
forest and lumber products, automobiles, steel products, agricultural products, aggregates, plastics,
chemicals, and many others. CSX’s Regional Development department deals exclusively with this
merchandise network.

HOW RAIL WORKS
Step Two: The process of
loading merchandise cargo.
The customer’s next step in shipping via rail is to load the cargo into one of many rail car
types and organize its plan for shipment. Planning at this stage includes:
· Determining the type, volume, origin and destination for the cargo involved in each shipment
· Determining the weight, height, width and depth of each loaded car
· The customer providing the shipper with instructions for the cargo’s delivery
· The customer communicating with the railroad operator about the status of the shipment
HOW IT WORKS - The course of a railroad shipment.
It may seem right to assume that the closer a rail car origin is to its unloading destination, the faster the cargo will
be shipped. However, loaded rail cars must first be transferred to a central “processing center” location, called a
classification yard or terminal.
Just as with the U.S. mail, a railroad shipment must first be transferred to a central terminal before it can continue
on to its destination. In some cases, it will proceed through several terminals depending on the origin and
destination of the cargo.
Factors that will impact a customer’s specific rail routes, or “corridors,” include:
· Maximum train speed based on the condition of the track
· City, county or state requirements
· Curves in the track
· Hills or grade changes in the track
After arriving at an interim terminal, a loaded rail car is sorted using a bar-coded label, or AEI
(Automatic Equipment Identification) tag, directing the shipment to its next train or final processing location.

HOW RAIL WORKS
Step THREE: The Process of Sorting Cargo
A loaded rail car will make its final stop at a processing location, where its cargo will be sorted
and classified. Final delivery is provided by local area trains that perform a service similar
to that of the postman.
Once the cars are unloaded, the journey starts again when the empty car is sent back to its
origin – usually along the same route – to be loaded and shipped again.
While many other details go into the successful shipment of cargo on a railroad network,
this outline gives a general overview of the process from beginning to end. Every situation,
project and shipment is different, but the purpose of rail remains the same: to safely,
smoothly and efficiently transport goods from one location to another.
HOW IT WORKS – Factors that
influence processing.
Every processing center is different. Track space,
connection with other railroads, and method of
classification are all considerations that separate
one terminal from another. These factors also
affect the time it takes for a customer’s cars to
process before their next leg of the journey, and
can include the following:
· Number of cars shipped
· Complexity of the delivery requirements
· Weight of the loaded cars
· Height, width and depth of the shipment
packages
· Amount of rail infrastructure at a
receiver location
HOW IT WORKS - Behind
the scenes.
Dedicated sales and marketing teams devoted to
rail systems also provide the following services for
shipping via rail:
· Assessing transportation costs for customers
· Assistance with finding or building a
rail-served location
· Management of billing
· Assistance with restrictions and criteria on
how rail cars can be loaded

Doing Business with Regional Development
Our Regional Development office is here to make
your use of rail as seamless as possible, and while
every situation is different, the general outline
below will help guide you through the process.
To give you a better idea of where you should begin, we’ll explain two rail service options
offered by CSX:
1) You can design and build your own rail site from the ground up OR
2) You can begin service at a pre-existing rail-served location, either on the CSX network or
with one of our short line rail partners.
The most important factor is to involve CSX Regional Development very early in your site
selection process.
Establishing your own rail-served location
Evaluation is key – Is your site rail-ready?
Here are some questions we’ll answer together:
1. Where do you envision your site?
2. Does your intended project fit within our system’s current traffic?
3. What are the origin, destination, product and volume involved in your shipping plan?
Don’t know where to start? CSX offers several options for starting new rail service.
You can either identify a location that is available for new rail service, including our CSX-certified sites,
or a previously existing rail-served location that might be available. Or you can start service on one of
our transloading locations, a location identified by our warehouse group, or even on a leased track.
Before you choose which site is right for you, our department can help you pinpoint the exact location
that will best fulfill your needs.

CSX Select Site Program: The only one of its kind.
Unique to any other rail service program, the CSX Select Site program offers our pre-certified, rail-ready sites as a way to
quickly establish new rail service. Properties that meet a rigorous list of key criteria are now available to you as a starting
point through the Select Site opportunity, allowing you to bypass the demanding evaluation process required for building
your own site.
To receive the designation of a “certified” rail-served location,
sites are measured on the following:
· Land control
· Infrastructure and utility availability
· Environmental and cultural reviews
· Wetland delineation
· Appropriate zoning and entitlement
· Rail serviceability
· Proximity to highways or interstates
· Other location attributes and due diligence criteria
The pre-approval process can save you time and effort in a way incomparable to any other rail service offering.
Take advantage of the CSX Select Site program, and leave the legwork up to us.
Congratulations, you’ve identified your site for rail service. What’s the next step?
Visualizing Your Project:
· Your project will be presented to CSX service planners, engineers and operations departments.
· Our engineers can create conceptual sketches of your track and rail car loading/unloading.
· Your proposed location will be evaluated one final time then will be submitted to a formal review
process to check for any rail service conflicts so that you can be confident of the results.
Keep in mind, timing for project completion varies greatly.
Typically, our review and approval process takes between a few weeks for simple projects and many months for projects
more complex.
Your Rail Service Checklist: It’s important that we take every factor into
consideration while evaluating potential locations and planning new rail service.
Here’s a rail service checklist before you get started:
1. Do you want to lease or purchase your new location?
2. Do you require existing rail or are you willing to build a new site?
3. What are your intended origins/destinations for your shipments?
4. What product are you shipping?
5. How many rail car spaces do you need and how long does it take to load/unload your cargo?
6. Do you require service for inbound transportation, outbound transportation, or both?
7. When do you want to start the project?
8. How often will you use your rail service?
9. How much traffic will you create?
10. Will you be working with hazardous material?
11. Are there any special requirements?

Considering Cost – Every case is different.
Costs are determined on a project-by-project basis.
Here are some factors that will affect the estimate for your specific service:
· Engineering required for your site
· Grading in the land
· Geography surrounding your intended site
· Existing rail traffic conditions such as type of track, volume of traffic, and complexity of existing
rail networks in the area
Starting service if you chose not
to build your own location
Good news: You can ship cargo via rail with CSX even if you do not
design and build your own location. Here are some services offered
by CSX to get you started:
· Service Startup and Integration – can assist with finding space
for lease – along with fully integrated startup solutions – on the
CSX track system.
· Warehousing services – can help you with our network of
customers who offer warehousing and cross docking services
where your cargo can be picked up and transported by rail on
our network.
· TRANSFLO – at dozens of locations throughout the CSX
network, TRANSFLO moves your cargo from trucks to rail – or
rail to truck – for more than 500 types of products.
· LEADs – (Load Engineering and Design Services) is a team that
assists with the safe loading of your shipments to prevent damage
and take advantage of full rail car capacity.
Pricing - What does it cost to ship via rail?
There are the four major factors that we’ll take into account before presenting you with a budget proposal.
1. Origin – where are your cars coming from?
2. Destination – where are your cars going?
3. Product – what are you shipping, are there any restrictions, and is it hazardous?
4. Volume – how many cars do you plan to transport?
5. What types of rail cars will you use for shipping, and do you or CSX own them?
By shaping a unique plan for every new rail-served location, CSX Regional Development ensures
that each addition to the system runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
You can feel confident that, from beginning to end through your rail service experience, our sales and
marketing team will stand by you to help plan, price, ship and track your cargo and equipment, while
providing the exceptional customer service you deserve.
Give us a call or visit our website at www.CSX.com for more information.

CSX SELECT SITE PROGRAM
Through the CSX Select Site program, CSX is
building a portfolio of “certified” rail-served
sites throughout the CSX network.
These properties are ready to accommodate larger, rail-served industrial end-users. The program
will be limited to 20-30 sites, but as the Select Sites are developed, new sites will continue to be
added to replenish the portfolio.
Candidate sites for the program must have attractive characteristics for large industrial end-users and be free of
“red flags” or barriers to a quick development timeline. Moreover, sites must be located in communities that are
committed to attracting new industrial operations. The program’s optimal site size is 150 to 1,000 developable
acres.
To receive this designation, sites will need to meet a rigorous list of key criteria, including, but not limited to:
• land control
• infrastructure and utility availability
• environmental and cultural reviews
• wetland delineation
• appropriate zoning and entitlement
• rail serviceability
• proximity to highways or interstates
• other location attributes and due diligence criteria
CSX has engaged Austin Consulting, the site selection division of The Austin Company, to administer
the Select Site program.
If you would like to nominate a property for consideration, please forward your contact information
and any site marketing material to: CSXselectsite@theaustin.com

Patricia Byrne
518-767-6326
Steve Davis
614-793-3065
Jeff Wagoner
630-904-1493
Jim Van Derzee
804-226-7504
Grant Chaney
615-371-6323
Chris Phillips
803-892-7819
John Sanford
205-943-4771
Aubrey Brown
904-366-4740
Stephanie Lane
813-664-6323
Jennifer Tanner
615-627-8990
Offices
Regional
Development Managers
Memphis
Savannah
Charleston
Wilmington
Newport News
Birmingham
Atlanta
Montgomery
Mobile
Tampa
Jacksonville
Waycross
Augusta
St Louis
Evansville
New Orleans
Florence
Cayce
Rocky Mount
Clifton Forge
Richmond
Baltimore
New York
Albany
Montreal
Buffalo
Ashtabula
Cleveland
Willard
Crestline
Columbus
Cincinnati
Russell
Huntington
Garrett
Boston
Cumberland
Philadelphia
Hamlet
Erwin
Corbin
Nashville
Grand Rapids
Saginaw
Walbridge
Indianapolis
Chicago
Louisville
Syracuse
Pittsburgh

Bill Merritt
518-767-6458
Dale Yates
734-464-4896
Todd Faulkner
804-226-7509
Rusty Olson
859-344-9675
Joe Mitchell
770-819-2845
Tracia Lagdaan
904-359-3361
Offices
Site Design Managers
Albany
Louisville
Memphis
Savannah
Charleston
Wilmington
Newport News
Birmingham
Montgomery
Mobile
Tampa
Jacksonville
Waycross
St Louis
New Orleans
Rocky Mount
Clifton Forge
Richmond
Baltimore
New York
Montreal
Cleveland
Boston
Pittsburgh
Hamlet
Grand Rapids
Saginaw
WalbridgeChicago
Atlanta Augusta
Evansville
Florence
Cayce
Buffalo
Ashtabula
Willard
Russell
Garrett
Cumberland
Philadelphia
Erwin
Corbin
Nashville
Indianapolis
Syracuse
Cincinnati
Huntington
Crestline
Columbus

Tony Giobbie
Tony_Giobbie@csx.com
856-778-5119
David Martin
David_Martin@csx.com
904-359-7419
Gina Arnold
Gina_Arnold@csx.com
904-366-5058
Len Kellermann
Len_Kellermann@csx.com
904-366-4191
Matt Adams
Matt_Adams@csx.com
904-359-1964
General Short Line
Inquiries
ShortLineDevelopment@csx.com
800-226-5962
Offices
Short Line
Development Managers
Memphis
St Louis
Evansville
Albany
Montreal
Syracuse
Buffalo
Ashtabula
Cleveland
Willard
Columbus
Cincinnati
Russell
Huntington
Garrett
Boston
Corbin
Nashville
Grand Rapids
Saginaw
Indianapolis
Chicago
Louisville
Newport News
Rocky Mount
Clifton Forge Richmond
BaltimoreCumberland
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Hamlet
Charleston
Wilmington
Birmingham
Atlanta
Augusta
Florence
SavannahMontgomery
Mobile
Tampa
Jacksonville
Waycross
New Orleans
Cayce
New York
Crestline
Erwin
Walbridge

CSX SELECT SITE PROGRAM
Certified Megasites
Certified megasites are sites within the CSX network that are ideal for large-scale development. In many cases, they
are sponsored by CSX, certified by McCallum Sweeney Consulting and administered by various state departments
of commerce or private developers.
The sites must meet stringent requirements before receiving certification. Property size, access to CSX rail service,
proximity to an interstate highway, labor availability, natural gas, wastewater, and water infrastructures are all part
of the minimum criteria necessary for a property to be considered as a megasite. Additionally, each site undergoes
a thorough environmental audit and geo-technical assessment.
McCallum-Sweeney Certified
• Glendale, Ky.: 1,551 acre site strategically located in central Kentucky; 47 miles south of Louisville and
125 miles north of Nashville. 67% of the nation’s population is only a day’s drive away.
• Cecil Commerce Center in Jacksonville, Fla.: 1,500 acre, heavy industrial property is home to the only
certified megasite in Florida.
• Mid-Atlantic Advanced Manufacturing Center in Greensville County, Va.: 1,545 acre site with frontage
access to I-95 and convenient access to I-85; only 90 minutes from Virginia’s ports. Workforce of 1.9
million is within a 60-mile radius of the site.
• White Hawk Commerce Park in Florence, S.C.: 1,200 acre site ideally located between Florence
Regional Airport and I-95 in Florence County, S.C.
• Bay Minette, Ala.: 3,020 acre site located in Baldwin County, Ala. Less than 50 miles from the Port of
Mobile and half a mile from I-65. This site is expected to be certified in 2011.
• Chinook Site in Indiana: 4,500+ acre property that straddles the Clay County-Vigo County border in west central
Indiana. Chinook is the first property in Indiana to hold megasite certification. It is adjacent to I-70 and Terre
Haute International Airport’s 9,020-foot primary runway.
Certified by Others
• Kingsboro-Rose in North Carolina: 1,307 acre property, with big-city amenities in Raleigh and Research Triangle
Park, located just 1 hour west, and the unique aviation assets of North Carolina’s Global TransPark,
just 45 minutes to the south.

AAR - Association of American Railroads The central coordinating and research agency of the North American rail
industry. It deals with matters of common concern to member roads; operations, hardware standardization, regulatory
matters research, safety, forecasts, finance, etc. It is dedicated to the standardization of processes and progress of the rail
transportation industry.
Actual Placement Physically placing a car for loading or unloading at a place designated by, or usually used by, the shipper
or consignee.
AEI See Automatic Equipment Identification.
Alignment The position of track in the horizontal plane expressed as ‘tangent’ or ‘curve.’
Allowance A fixed sum granted as reimbursement, deduction, or repayment.
Assigned Siding A side track owned by a transportation line and turned over to one or more industries or individuals for the
loading and unloading of freight.
“A” Unit (AKA “Lead Unit”) A locomotive unit equipped with a cab and operating controls.
Automatic A term applied to devices which function through the exercise of inherent power, as distinguished from those in
which the changes are made manually.
Automatic Block Signal System (ABS) A series of consecutive blocks whose use is governed either by train actuated block
signals or by certain conditions affecting the use of a block. Unless so specified, such signals do not authorize the movement
of trains.
Automatic Block System A series of consecutive blocks governed by block signals, cab signals, or both, actuated by a train
or engine, or by certain conditions affecting the use of a block.
Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) An electronic scanning system that detects and records encoded information
applied to the side of freight equipment. Such information includes the car initial and number, capacity, and other
UMLER data.
Back-Haul To transport a shipment back over part of a route which it has traveled.
Bad Order Cars When a car inspector finds a defective car, he tacks a small card labeled “bad order” in bold lettering on or
near the door of the car. That car may not be moved from the terminal where the inspection occurred until the necessary
repairs are made.
Ballast Selected material placed on the roadbed for the purpose of holding the track in line.
Railroad glossary

Bill of Lading A shipping document that is both a receipt for property to be transported and a contract for hauling it, stating
the terms, conditions, and liabilities under which property is accepted for transportation. The principal Bill of Lading types
are: Clean: A bill of lading without notation of damage or shortage of property. Domestic: Covers shipments within the U.S.A.
Export: Covers shipment to a foreign country. Government: A special shipping document that is used in making shipment for
the U.S. Government.
Block A track section of defined limits. In signaled territory, a block is the track section between two consecutive block signals
governing movements in the same direction. It is also the track section from a block signal to the end of signaled territory.
Block of Cars A group of cars routed for a common destination that is not necessarily the final destination.
Block Signal An absolute or intermediate signal at the entrance to a block that governs the movement of trains using that block.
Block Signal System A method of governing the movement of trains into or within one or more blocks that use signals.
Blocking and Bracing (Procedures) Wood or metal supports to keep shipments in place in or on cars, trailers, etc., as safety
precautions for loading rail shipments which must be in accordance with the regulations of the STB, FRA, and the AAR.
Blue Flag A metal sign placed on a track or equipment that signifies that employees are working on, under, or between
equipment on that track.
Book or Rules Set of rules that govern the standard procedure by which employees are required to perform their assigned duties.
Bowl A system of classification tracks resembling a bowl connected to the hump. The system is operated electronically and
ensures that the cars are properly classified as they enter the hump.
Box Car An enclosed car that has doors. It is used for general service and especially for lading that must be protected from the
weather.
Branch Line A rail line that serves one or more stations beyond the junction of the main line or another branch line.
A feeder line that brings freight to main lines.
Bridge Traffic Traffic received from and delivered to connecting carriers.
Broad Gage When the distance between the heads of the rails is greater than 4 feet 9 inches.
Bulk Freight Freight that is shipped loose rather than in packages.
Bulk Transfer The transfer of bulk products, such as plastic pellets or liquid sweeteners, from one mode of transportation to
another. Bulk transfer permits off-rail shippers and receivers of varied commodities to combine rail’s long-haul efficiencies with
truck’s convenient door-to-door delivery.
Bulkhead Flat A flat car with adjustable bulkheads at each end of the car. The car is used for transporting plywood,
wall board, etc.
Railroad glossary

Capacity (Freight Car) The normal load in pounds, cubic feet, or gallons, which the car is designed to carry. These figures are
stenciled on the car and are identified as “CAPY.” Capacity is not to be confused with load limit, which is the maximum weight
that can be loaded on a given car.
Car Day An expression referring to the number of days a car owned by one railroad is on the line of another railroad.
Car Dumper A device for quickly unloading bulk materials such as coal or grain from a freight car. After being clamped to the
rail, the car is then tilted or rolled over to discharge the lading.
Car Initial and Number An identification number comprised of initials, which indicate the ownership of the car, and a number,
which specifies the type of car.
Car Mile The movement of a car the distance of one mile. A term used in statistical data.
Car Order A railroad document used to direct a particular type of empty equipment for loading at an industry. OR Common
term used for Car Service Rules, Special Car Orders and Circulars.
Car Ownership A term, which refers to the party to which a car belongs. Possible types of car ownership are CSX owned, CSX
leased, private, and foreign.
Carrier Another name for a transportation company.
Center Beam (AKA Center Sill) The longitudinal structural member of a car under frame, often constructed as a large box
section or hat section. The center sill receives all of the buff and draft forces created in train handling and switching.
Centralized Traffic Control A term applied to a system of railroad operation by means of which the movement of trains over
routes and through blocks on a designated section of track or tracks is directed by signals controlled from a designated section
of track or tracks without requiring the use of train orders and without the superiority of trains.
Centralized Traffic Control System (CTC) A semi-automated means of ensuring rapid and safe movement of trains.
Centralized Train Dispatching System (CTDS) A system by which train and on-track equipment movements are governed by
controlled signals and/or instructions of a train dispatcher from a centralized location.
Classification Code A destination and routing code used on switch lists for ease in switching cars.
Classification Switching The sorting and assembling of railway cars in station or delivery order for making up or breaking up
trains or yard cuts. Cars are sorted and assembled by their destination.
Classification Yard The place where cars are segregated by carriers according to their destinations or deliveries and are made
ready for proper train movement or delivery.
Railroad glossary

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.
Railroad glossary

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.
Railroad glossary

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.
Railroad glossary

Flat Car An open car without sides, ends or top, used principally for hauling lumber, stone, heavy machinery, TOFC/COFC
equipment, etc.
Flat Switch Yard A yard where car switching depends on locomotive power with little assistance from gravity.
Force Majeure (AKA Act of God) A French phrase that appears in contracts and refers to circumstances beyond anyone’s
control.
Foreign Car Any car not belonging to the parent line.
Foreign Line Any railroad other than CSXT.
Fouling Point The location on a turnout back of the frog at which insulated joints or derails are placed at or beyond
clearance point.
Freight Goods being moved from one place to another by transportation lines. Also a term used to express the
transportation charge.
Freight Bill A statement of charges for transportation given to customer. Information is taken from waybill. Collect Freight
Bill: A bill rendered by a transportation line at destination to the freight payor, giving a description of the freight, name of
shipper, point of origin, weight, and amount of charges due. Prepaid Freight Bill: A bill rendered by a transportation line at
origin to the freight payor, giving a description of the freight, name of consignee, destination, weight, and amount of
charges.
Freight Payor A customer who has agreed to pay the freight charges on a particular shipment. The customer could be the
consignor, consignee, or a third party.
Frog A device made of rail sections so constructed and assembled as to permit the wheels on one rail of track to cross
another rail of an intersecting track. Resembles an “X” or a frog with legs extended. OR An implement for rerailing car
wheels. See Replacer.
Gage (AKA Gauge) The distance between the heads of rails, measured at a point 5/8 inches below the top of the rail.
Standard gage in the United States and Canada measures 4 ft. 8 1/2 inches.
Gateway A point or location at which freight moving from one area or territory to another is interchanged between
carriers. A base point on or near the boundary of a rate or classification territory on which rates are constructed.
Gauge (AKA Gage) The distance between the heads of rails, measured at a point 5/8 inches below the top of the rail.
Standard gauge in the United States and Canada measures 4 ft. 8 1/2 inches.
General Service Car Box, gondola, or flat car with no special equipment and not designed for any specific commodity or shipper.
Railroad glossary

Gondola Car A car without a top covering which has straight sides and ends, the floor or bottom of which is level or
approximately level. Used for freight in bulk. Types: High side, low side, drop end, drop bottom, general purpose
and convertible.
Grade The rate of rise or fall of track elevation.
Grade Crossing A crossing at the same level, either between tracks of different railways or between railway tracks
and public crossings.
Gross Ton 2,240 pounds.
Gross Weight The weight of an article together with the weight of its container and the material used for packing.
OR As applied to a carload, the weight of a car together with the weight of its entire contents.
Hand Brake The brake apparatus used to manually apply the brakes on a car or locomotive.
Haulage Rights Rights obtained by one railroad to have its trains operated by another railroad over that railroad’s tracks.
Hazardous Material (AKA Hazmat) A substance or material, which is capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health,
safety, and the environment.
Heater (Switch) A device for melting snow at switches by means of steam, an electric current, gas jets, or oil.
Hi-Cube Car A box car of approximately 85 ft. in length and 10,000 cu. ft. in capacity designed for hauling automobile body
stampings and other lo- density freight.
High and Wide Car Car of excessive dimensions, which must be handled with special care and attention to clearances.
High-Side Gondola Car A gondola car with sides and ends over 36 inches in height.
High-Wide A car that exceeds dimension restrictions due to its construction or due to the size of its load. It requires special
handling.
Highway Crossing at Grade A location where streets or highways cross over railroad tracks.
Hopper Car A car with a sloping floor that will discharge its load by gravity through the hopper doors.
Hours of Service Law (AKA Hog Law) The Federal statute which provides that all train and engineer crews must be relieved
of duty after 12 hours of continuous service.
House Track A track alongside or entering a freight house, used for cars delivering, receiving, or transferring freight.
Railroad glossary

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.
Railroad glossary

Line Haul Switching The moving of cars within yard or switching limits or a station preceding or following a line haul.
Line of Road Trackage between terminals.
Locomotive (AKA Locomotive Consist) A self-propelled unit of equipment, or combination of units operated under a single
control, and designed solely for moving other equipment.
Low Side Gondola A gondola car with sides and ends 36 inches high or less.
Main Line That part of the railway, exclusive of switch tracks, branches, yards, and terminals.
Main Track A track extending through yards and between stations. It is other than an auxiliary track.
Manifest A description of the contents of a shipment.
Maximum Authorized Speed The highest speed permitted for any train on a subdivision or portion of a subdivision.
It will be found listed under “Maximum Authorized Speed” in special instructions.
Mechanical Inspection Physical inspection of a car performed to determine its condition.
Milepost A marker that identifies by number a given track location. It shows the number of miles from one point on the
division to another point.
Multilevel Car A long flatcar designed with one or more deck levels in addition to the car’s main deck; used to haul new
automobiles and trucks.
On the Ground Derailed equipment.
Open-Top Car Cars having sides and ends but no roof. A term inclusive of gondola, hopper and ballast cars but does not
include flat cars.
Operating Rules Manual A publication that contains the following books: CSX Safeway Transportation, Operating Rules,
Timetables, Hazardous Material Rules, Restricted Equipment Rules, Train Handling Rules, and On-Track Worker Safety Rules.
Origin The location at which a shipment begins.
PD Car Permanent Dunnage Car A box car equipped with dunnage, or a type of covered hopper where air pressure is used to
unload the contents.
Pickup A term descriptive of a car or cars added to a train en route between dispatching and receiving yards or cars added at
dispatching yard to train operating over two or more divisions on a continuous work order.
Piggy Packer Equipment used in the loading of piggyback trailers or containers onto flat cars.
Railroad glossary

Piggyback A term used to describe the hauling of loaded or empty highway trailers or containers on railroad flat cars.
Pigs Trailers and containers.
Placarded Car A railcar placarded under requirements of the Department of Transportation regulations.
Placement When the car is actually placed in the industry by the railroad.
Plate A size indication found on the side of a car having to do with clearance dimensions. Explanations can be found in
Equipment Register.
Plug Door A door on refrigerated or box cars that is flush with side of car when closed. To open, a lever mechanism is twisted
until the door is disjoined, then the door slides down a track until the doorway is clear.
Pool Cars Specially equipped cars of different ownerships assigned to a specific company or location.
Power-Operated Switch A remotely controlled switch. It is operated electrically or electropneumatically. See dual-controlled
switch.
Pre-Tested Train A train on which the air brakes have been inspected and tested prior to the addition of the outbound
locomotive consist. Following addition of the outbound locomotive consist; an application and release test of the rear is
required before departure.
Private Car A car having other than railroad ownership.
Private Siding A side track owned or leased by an individual or firm.
Radio Controlled Engine An unmanned engine situated within the train separated by cars from the lead unit, but controlled
from it by radio signals.
Rail A length of track, usually 39 feet long.
Rail Freight Car A car designed to carry freight or non-passenger personnel by rail and includes: box car, flat car, gondola car,
hopper car, tank car, and occupied caboose.
Receiving Track A track used for arriving trains.
Receiving Yard A section of a yard in which one or more receiving tracks are located.
Reciprocal Switching A mutual interchange of inbound and outbound carload freight that is switched to or from a siding or
another carrier under a regular switching charge. The carrier receiving the line haul usually absorbs the charge.
Railroad glossary

Refrigerator Car A specially constructed box car, insulated and equipped with ice bunkers or baskets, or a mechanical cooling
system and usually adapted for the installation of heating units, used primarily for the movement of commodities that need
protection from heat or cold.
Release Patron’s notice to the railroad that a car is loaded or unloaded and ready to be moved from his industry. Also a car that
can be moved from one status to another (i.e., bad order to OK status).
Rerailer A device connected to the track, used to return a derailed car onto the track.
Restricted Equipment A shipment requiring specific operating handling procedures for safe movement.
Reverse Route Returning a car the same route as shipped.
Ribbon-Rail Term used to describe rail that has been welded together at the joints affecting a smoother ride.
Right of Way In the strictest sense, land or water rights necessary for the roadbed and its accessories. However, it is now
loosely used to describe property owned and/or operated over by a railroad.
Roadbed The foundation on which a track and ballast rest.
Rolling Stock Transportation equipment on wheels.
Route Noun: The course or direction that a shipment moves. Verb: To designate the course or direction a shipment will move.
Run-Around The term used to describe the move necessary if a car is to be set-out on a facing point siding. Engine cuts off and
runs around train on nearest double-ended siding, couples to rear of train and switches cars into and out of siding as desired. A
wye track or balloon track can do the same thing.
Running Track A track designated in the timetable upon which movements may be made subject to prescribed signals and
rules, or special instructions. OR A track reserved for movement through a yard.
Scale Track A track on which a permanent scale is located. Also a storage track for cars needing to be weighed.
Schedule That part of a timetable, which prescribes direction, number, frequency and times for movement of, scheduled trains.
Schnabel Car A specially constructed car having two separable interlocking units that form the car body. Units may be
separated and load interposed between and locked in place to form a complete unit.
Serving Yard Location where cars are delivered to or received from customers.
Set Out (AKA Set Off) Cars left at designated points by a train.
Railroad glossary

Shipper (AKA Consignor) The person or firm by whom articles are shipped.
Side Track A track adjacent to the main track for purposes other than for meeting and passing trains.
Siding An auxiliary track for meeting or passing trains. It is designated in special instructions.
Signaled Siding A siding equipped with block signals that govern train movements on the siding.
Signaled Track A track equipped with block or interlocking signals that govern train movements.
Single Track A main track upon which trains are operated in both directions.
Spiked Switch A switch with its points held in a fixed position by a track spike to prevent the use of a track or throwing
of the switch.
Spring Switch A switch equipped to restore the switch points to normal position after having been trailed through.
Spur Track (Commonly Called Spur) A stub track that diverges from main or other tracks which provides access to industrial
or commercial areas. It usually dead ends within an industry area.
STCC (Standard Transportation Commodity Code) Seven-digit code designed to classify all commodities.
Storage Track or Yard A place to store or hold rail cars.
Straight Bill of Lading A non-negotiable document. Surrender of the original is not ordinarily required upon delivery of
property, except when necessary to identify the consignee.
Stretch An order to the engineer to pull on a cut of cars to see if they are coupled.
Stub Track A form of side track connected to a running track at one end only and usually protected at the end by some form
of bumping post or other solid obstruction.
Subdivision A portion of a division/service lane/business unit designated by timetable.
Switch Noun: A device consisting of two movable rails, necessary connections, and operating parts designed to turn a
locomotive or car from the track on which it is running to another track. OR Verb: To move cars from one place to another,
usually within a defined territory.
Switch Engine A locomotive used for switching cars in yards and terminals.
Switch Heater A device used for melting snow or ice in and around movable parts of switches.
Switch Lock A fastener, usually a spring padlock, used to secure the switch or derail stand in place.
Railroad glossary

Switcher A road assignment that spots, pulls, and classifies cars within a terminal or industrial area.
Switching The process of putting cars in a specific order (as in a classification yard), placing cars for loading or retrieving
empties (industrial switching), or the process of adding or removing cars from a train at an intermediate point. OR The
movement of cars from one point to another within the limits of an individual plant, industrial area, or a rail yard.
Tangent Track Straight track.
Tank Car A car the body of which consists of a tank for carrying liquids such as oil, molasses, vinegar, acids, compressed gasses
and granular solids.
Tare Weight (AKA Light Weight or Tare) The weight of an empty railroad car.
Tariff A publication issued by carriers or their agents, showing rates, fares, charges, classifications, rules, etc. of the carrier.
Team Track A track subject to use by the general public, with facilities for loading and unloading cars. (Also known as Public
Delivery Track)
Terminal A facility owned by a railroad on its line for the handling of freight and for the breaking up, making up, forwarding,
and servicing of trains. OR An input/output (I/O) device connected to a computer. OR Point where train and engine employees
originate and/or terminate their tour of duty. OR A designated area within a metropolitan area where one or more rail yards
exist.
Through Train Train operating between principal terminals, usually with few, if any, stops to set out, pickup, or switch cars.
Timetable A publication containing instructions relating to the movement of trains or equipment and other essential
information.
TOFC (Trailer on Flat Car) Freight loaded in trailers and transported by rail on flat cars. Sometimes called piggyback,
pig, or tote.
Track The space between the rails and space of not less than four feet outside each rail.
Trackage Right Right obtained by one railroad to operate its trains over tracks of another railroad.
Traffic Control Signal System (TCS) A signal system under which opposing and following train movements are authorized
and governed by block signals.
Trailing Movement The movement of a train over the points of a switch that face in the direction in which the train is moving.
Trailing Point Switch A switch, the points of which face away from approaching traffic.
Railroad glossary

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.
Railroad glossary

Revised_Freight_Rail_Handbook_8 24 2012

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