The operational task of breaking down inbound trains and reorganizing the rolling stock by destination, weight, or commodity to build outbound trains. This is typically done in a dedicated yard using a hump or flat switching methods.
Heard on the job
We've three hours of marshalling ahead of us before this manifest is ready for the road crew.
Also heard as
- switching
- classification
Related terms
Classification yard
A large rail facility where freight cars are sorted to build outgoing trains.
Hump yard
A classification yard where cars are pushed over a small hill and roll by gravity into sorting tracks.
Shunt
The electrical connection made across the rails by a train's wheels and axles.
Consist
The makeup of a train, listing its locomotives and cars in order with weights, loads and hazmat.