Crews deadhead by van, car or on another train when they need to reach a train away from the terminal, or to get home after working a trip one way. Deadhead time is paid under labor agreements, and a deadhead home after a long tie-up is the best kind of trip. The word also covers equipment moved without being used, such as a locomotive deadheaded in a train with its engine shut down.
Worked the manifest to Cheyenne, deadheaded back in the van, and I'm first out again tomorrow.
Also heard as
- DH
- deadheading
- deadhead move
Related terms
Dog catch
To relieve a crew that has run out of legal hours; the relief crew are the dog catchers.
Pool
A group of road crews who rotate between two terminals in first-in, first-out order.
Tie up
To go off duty at the end of a trip or shift and record the final time.
Light engine
A locomotive or set of locomotives running without any cars attached.