What Does Train Dispatcher Mean? Top Train Dispatching Terms Explained!
Railroad dispatchers ensure that trains and crews move safely and efficiently across a railroad network. Train dispatching is interesting but complicated, so it cannot be learned overnight. It takes train dispatchers almost a year to be fully trained. Though a freight dispatcher training program can help you learn about the dispatching terms in detail, here’s a brief overview for a basic understanding.
1. Dispatcher – A railroad dispatcher is a
railroad professional responsible for directing the train movement within a
specified territory. They ensure that no train is delayed unnecessarily. In
addition, dispatchers also control the extensive system of electronic signals
to ensure the operation safety.
2.
Conductor – The train conductors are also
railroad employees responsible for managing the safety of the train. Railroad
dispatchers give direct orders to the conductor, and then conductors issue
orders to the engineer. In addition, they make sure that engineer complies with
safety regulations.
3. Engineer – The person who pulls the
throttle on the train is the engineer. They are in the locomotive's cab and
responsible for carrying out the direction given by the dispatcher.
4. Centralized traffic control – It is a system that authorizes the train movements between blocks (segments of the track). The train dispatchers authorize train movements from block to block using the block system.
5.
Milepost – The railroad milepost indicates
a specific location along the track. When dispatchers give orders to the
conductors, the part of instruction also includes at which post the train
should stop.
6.
Train meet – This term is used when two
trains traveling toward one another on the same track are scheduled to
meet. Train dispatcher in the USA makes special plans to
ensure that the train meets safely.
7.
Priority – When two trains use the same
track, the assigned priority determines which train gets to go first. It is
usually determined by the train type.
Mainline – The railroad's primary or most heavily used tracks are known as the mainline. In other words, trains travel for the majority of their trip on the main lines.
9.
Cross over – It is a track that joins two
main tracks. So, when a train moves from one main track to another, it crosses
over.
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