Description
Coordinate and execute railcar spotting and movements within rail yards or industrial plants, communicating with engineers and yard crews, operating switches, and ensuring cars are properly placed, secured, and documented.
- • Signal engineers or remote-control operators to start, stop, or change speed using radios or hand signals.
- • Receive yard movement instructions and alerts from yardmasters or dispatchers.
- • Spot and pull railcars to designated tracks, doors, or loading positions per switch lists.
- • Couple and uncouple cars; connect and disconnect air hoses and secure couplers.
- • Set and release hand brakes and apply chocks or derails to protect equipment and personnel.
- • Operate authorized track switches and yard signals to align routes.
- • Protect shoving moves and crossings, verifying tracks are clear and properly lined.
- • Keep accurate records of car numbers, locations, and destinations.
- • Verify cargo seals when required and record car and seal numbers.
- • Inspect cars and equipment for obvious defects, leaks, or hazards and report bad-order cars.
- • Arrange or assist in setting out defective cars on designated tracks.
- • Review switch lists, waybills, and work orders to plan spotting and pulls.
- • Coordinate with engineers and ground crews on track availability and alternate plans when tracks are blocked.
- • Monitor yard traffic and track capacity to stage inbound and outbound cuts safely.
- • Document incidents, delays, and unscheduled stops.
- • Confirm routing and destination information before moving or placing cars.
- • Record movement times and completed spots and pulls as required.
- • Place warning flags, lights, or blue signals for protection during work or emergencies.
- • Conduct walk-around checks during moves to verify securement and clearances.
- • Communicate status updates to yardmaster, switching crews, and plant or terminal personnel.
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Supply Chain & Transportation
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
