A set of tracks where outbound trains are assembled, inspected, and held until they receive a departure slot. Departure yard inspections include air brake tests and train handling briefings. The departure yard is the final step before a train enters the mainline.
A set of tracks within a terminal where inbound trains are received, inspected, and held before cars are moved to the classification yard for sorting. Arrival yard inspection includes safety inspections, brake tests, and car condition checks. Delay in the arrival yard is a common contributor to terminal dwell.
A yard used to hold assembled trains or cars awaiting departure or entry into a classification yard, often located adjacent to a classification or terminal yard. Staging yards decouple the assembly and departure processes, improving terminal throughput. Cars may dwell in staging yards for hours awaiting a train slot.
A large rail facility where cars from inbound trains are sorted and grouped by destination to build outbound trains. Cars may be sorted using hump switching, flat switching, or a combination of both. Classification yards are the central nodes of the carload network.
The complete list of equipment making up a train, including locomotives and each railcar in order, with car numbers, commodities, weights, and destinations. A consist document (also called a train list) travels with the train and is transmitted electronically ahead of arrival. Consists are essential for safety planning and crew briefings.