What is a freight conductor?
Railroad conductors are key members of a train crew and are responsible for the safe, over-the-road operation of freight trains. Conductors are responsible for giving directions and signals to other train crewmembers. They must be experts in problem solving, teamwork, and communication. Conductors must be dedicated to keeping their skills sharp and current. The information sheet entitled Duties and Responsibilities of a Conductor provides more information about the activities of a conductor.
A Freight Conductor is useful to the Engineer in determining weather the train is going up or down hill. A Grade Detector in other words. When the Engineer looks over and sees the Conductors chin on his chest, he knows the train is going down a grade. Like wise, when his head leans way back, the train is going up the hill.
