A formal directive issued by the FRA requiring railroads to take specific safety actions across their operations, such as inspecting a class of equipment, restricting train speeds, or implementing new operating procedures. General orders have the force of law and must be complied with immediately. They are typically issued in response to safety findings from accident investigations or inspection programs.
The U.S. Department of Transportation agency responsible for railroad safety regulation and enforcement, including track standards, equipment inspection, operating rules, and hazardous materials transportation. The FRA conducts safety inspections, investigates accidents, and issues emergency orders when immediate safety threats exist. It also administers federal rail investment programs.
An expedited directive issued by the FRA Secretary without the normal rulemaking process when there is an immediate safety threat requiring urgent action. Emergency orders may restrict operations, mandate equipment inspections, or require immediate corrective measures. They are among the most powerful regulatory tools available to the FRA.
Materials designated by PHMSA as posing a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation, including explosives, flammable liquids, poisonous gases, and radioactive materials. Hazmat shipments require proper classification, packaging, marking, labeling, placarding, and documentation under 49 CFR. Railroads have specialized procedures and routing requirements for hazmat movements.
A safety system mandated by Congress after the 2008 Chatsworth collision that automatically enforces speed limits, prevents train-to-train collisions, and enforces temporary speed restrictions, overriding human error. PTC uses GPS, wireless communications, and digital track maps to monitor and control train movements in real time. All Class I railroads completed PTC implementation by the 2020 deadline.