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A freight conductor works in a train yard, assembling, breaking down, and arranging trains. They may also operate carriage mechanisms, carry out minor repairs, and inspect trains. A high school education is usually required, and on-the-job training is available. The conductor must ensure the train is safe for transport before leaving the yard and may manually power tracks. Electronic switches are available in modern yards.
The term “freight conductor” can be used to describe a number of different jobs, all of which are generally related. This position involves working in a train yard and may require the conductor to assemble the cars, break down, switch tracks, arrange trains in the yard or on the tracks, and even operate the carriage mechanism for transport. The conductor may also be responsible for carrying out minor repairs to the train and will need to carry out regular inspections on the trains before engines and cars are used for rail transport.
Generally, a high school education is required if a person wants to become a freight conductor, although a higher education is not usually required. In some parts of the world, however, it is necessary to take a university course to secure a position as a driver. The job seeker will typically start in lower positions in the rail industry and work their way up by participating in training and on-the-job experience relevant to the freight driver position. Formal learning may or may not exist within a specific rail company, but training is available to ensure the freight conductor can perform his job safely and effectively. Drivers can move from position to becoming engineers who drive trains and perform other tasks; this position generally pays the same, if not more, as a conductor position.
Before a freight train leaves a yard, it must be properly assembled with all cars securely coupled. This process can take several hours or even days, especially if the assembled train is quite long. After the train is assembled, the freight conductor must perform a visual inspection of the train to ensure it is safe for transport. If any repairs need to be done, the driver can do it if he is a minor or coordinate with mechanics to complete the repair. The conductor will maintain constant contact with the engineer, yard operator and dispatchers to safely navigate the train out of the yard.
The freight conductor may need to guide the train out of the yard by manually powering the tracks, which can be a difficult job. Most modern rail yards feature electronic switches that can be actuated from a remote location; this allows the handler to remain in one position and operate many switches throughout the yard without having to manually flip them, which can be difficult and time consuming.
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