A group of railcars coupled together that are moved as a single unit during switching or train assembly. Cuts are the basic unit of yard switching operations. The number of cuts in a switch list defines the complexity of a local or yard job.
The process of grouping railcars destined for the same or nearby destinations together within a train so they can be set out as a single cut without additional classification. A blocking plan defines how a railroad arranges cars to minimize intermediate switching. Effective blocking reduces terminal dwell and improves network efficiency.
A method of classifying cars in a yard where a locomotive pushes or pulls cars onto the correct track without the aid of a hump. Flat switching is slower than hump operations but is used at smaller yards or for fragile lading. It requires more locomotive movements and crew time per car sorted.
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.