When a train crew dies on the law short of its terminal, another crew, the dog catchers, is taxied or deadheaded out to take the train the rest of the way. Dog catching is routine on congested railroads and sends extra board crews to remote sidings at odd hours. The outlawed crew waits on the train until the van brings their relief, then rides the same van back to the terminal.
We're dog catching the coal train at Big Spring, van picks us up at 0200, they've been dead on the law since midnight.
Also heard as
- dog catcher
- dog catching
- relief crew
Related terms
Dead on the law
Out of legal working hours under the hours of service rule, and required to stop work wherever the train sits.
Hours of service
The federal limit on how long train and engine crews may stay on duty before mandatory rest.
Deadhead
To travel as a passenger to or from an assignment, paid but not working the train.
Extra board
A roster of crew members with no regular job, called in rotation to fill vacancies and extra trains.