A railroad track owned or leased by a shipper or industry that connects their facility to the mainline or branch line, providing direct rail loading and unloading capability. Private sidings are the foundation of the carload business and give shippers dedicated rail access. Construction and maintenance of private sidings are typically the shipper's responsibility.
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-owned track at a public facility where multiple shippers can load or unload cars that do not have private sidings. Team tracks provide rail access to small shippers who lack the volume to justify a private siding. They are increasingly rare as freight has shifted to carload and intermodal service.
The act of placing a railcar at a specific loading or unloading position at a customer's facility. A car is considered spotted when it is in position and available for the shipper's use. The date and time of spotting often marks the beginning of free time for demurrage purposes.
The act of retrieving a loaded or empty car from a customer's facility after loading or unloading is complete. The shipper or consignee typically notifies the railroad when a car is ready to be pulled. Delays in pulling can result in congestion at customer facilities.