Train conductors and yardmasters coordinate and supervise rail travel of passengers and freight.
Conductors work on trains. Yardmasters move trains in rail yards.
Conductors
Conductors work on both passenger and freight trains. They determine what they are transporting and where it is going. They discuss the route and timetable with the engineer. They supervise the train crew. On passenger trains, they:
- Check passenger’s tickets
- Announce stations
- Help passengers
- Direct staff that provide boarding, maid, porter, and meal services to customers
- Oversee loading and unloading of luggage
On freight trains conductors oversee the loading and unloading of cargo.
Yardmasters
Yardmasters oversee the work in the rail yard. They make sure rail cars are connected properly and that they contain the correct material when they leave the rail yard. Yardmasters also:
- Review schedules and shipping records
- Operate freight cars that use remote locomotive technology
- Inspect cars to make sure they are sealed properly
- Remove defective cars from the yard
- Break up and put together train cars according to schedule