A secondary line that diverges from the mainline to serve agricultural, industrial, or rural areas with lower traffic density. Branch lines typically have lower speed limits, lighter rail, and less sophisticated signaling than mainlines. Many branch lines have been sold to short line railroads or abandoned as traffic declined.
The primary high-capacity route of a railroad, characterized by heavy traffic, higher track speeds, and the most sophisticated signaling and infrastructure. Mainlines carry the bulk of a railroad's revenue ton-miles and receive priority in capital investment. They connect major terminals and industrial centers.
A short dead-end track branching off a mainline, branch line, or yard track to serve a specific industry or facility. Spurs do not have a runaround track and require the locomotive to push cars in and pull them back out. The term is often used interchangeably with industrial spur.
A short section of railroad track that branches off a mainline or branch line to serve a single industrial customer. Industrial spurs are the physical connection between the railroad network and a manufacturing plant, warehouse, or processing facility. They are often owned by the railroad and maintained under a spur agreement.
A railroad with annual operating revenues below approximately $40 million, commonly referred to as a short line or local railroad. Class III railroads provide crucial first- and last-mile rail service connecting shippers to Class I mainlines. There are approximately 600 Class III railroads in the United States.
A train that serves individual customers along a branch line or industrial corridor, spotting empty cars and pulling loaded cars. Locals are typically the only rail service connecting small shippers to the broader network. They operate at lower speeds and cover fewer miles per day than through or intermodal trains.