Handling of Suspect Cars

i. Weighing of Cars. Cars can be weighed by a variety of means: weigh-in-motion

scales; static scales that weigh the whole car at once; or static scales that weigh one truck at a

time. To ensure accurate weighing, the procedures recommended for the scale in use shall be

followed.

j. Cars Laden with Explosive Material (conventional ammunition, ammunition

components, explosives, and other hazardous materials). Refer to NAVSEA OP 5, Vol.1 for

information governing the transportation and storage of railway ordnance cars.

k. Handling Special Equipment.

(1) Cranes. Movement plans for equipment such as cranes shall be reviewed for

compliance with the unique operational restrictions required by the characteristics of the

equipment. Refer to NAVFAC P-307 for specific guidance.

Where possible, crane booms should be in the trailing position to reduce the likelihood of the

boom swinging. If the crane boom cannot be placed in a trailing position, an idler (buffer) car

shall be used.

The speed of rail crane movement on track shall be restricted due to the short wheelbase,

suspension system, and long booms of railroad cranes.

(2) Maintenance of way equipment. The various maintenance of way equipment items

will normally be operated by public works or contractor maintenance forces. Movement of this

equipment over the rails shall be coordinated through the railroad dispatcher.

(3) Special service cars. Some special service cars in the Navy fleet are either

unusually long, have unusual truck configuration (three or four axles per truck) or both. These

cars shall be carefully watched when operated around tight curves since the trucks may be unable

to accommodate curves beyond a fixed radius and the overhang of long cars may have inadequate

clearance. Consult the appropriate Navy Directives for railcars transporting special weapons and

ordnance.

l. Handling of Suspect Cars. Suspect cars (cars of unknown contents or have been

tampered with) shall be placed in an area designated for storage of suspect cars until they are

identified.

m. Derailments and other incidents. The conductor or engineer shall immediately

report derailments and other incidents to the dispatcher. Notification shall include location,

injuries, the nature of the derailment, and the car numbers and contents of any cars that are

involved in the derailment. The dispatcher shall follow the local railroad operating directive.

Note: The crew shall secure the area and keep unauthorized people away from the scene until

assistance arrives. Equipment shall not be moved until the investigation is complete except to aid

injured personnel or to avoid possible explosion or fire damage.

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