How do they match: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

  • Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

  • Car Chaser
  • Car Dispatcher
  • Car Distributor
  • Car Spotter
  • Yard Conductor
  • Yard Manager
  • Yard Pilot
  • Yard Spotter
  • Yard Supervisor
  • Yardmaster
  • Passenger Car Conductor
  • Sleeping Car Conductor

  • Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.

  • Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.
  • Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.
  • Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.
  • Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
  • Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.
  • Inspect each car periodically during runs.
  • Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers.
  • Instruct workers to regulate air conditioning, lighting, and heating in passenger cars to ensure passengers' comfort.
  • Keep records of the contents and destination of each train car, and make sure that cars are added or removed at proper points on routes.
  • Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
  • Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.
  • Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.