Train Makeup
Railroads define various restrictions on train makeup. These can be attributes of the entire train - length, weight, HP per Ton - or on the arrangement of locomotives and cars within a train.
BNSF
Length
| Description | Length (ft) | Distance (ft) between DP consists |
|---|---|---|
| Non-DPU | 10,000 | |
| One DPU consist, Intermodal | 10,000 | |
| One DPU consist, other | 8,500 | |
| Multiple DPU consists | 13,000 | 6,500 between each consist |
Locomotives
Trains are limited in power by Rated Powered Axles (RPA). BNSF system instructions (as of 2010) allow for two possible DPU configurations:
- One DPU consist, at least halfway through the train (including placement at the rear-end)
- Two DPU consists, with one mid-train consist (within 20 cars of the middle of the train), and one rear-end consist.
When using DPU, the total Rated Powered Axles of the leading consist cannot exceed the RPA of remote consists by more than 16.
Empty bulk trains are limited to a maximum of 9000 HP, and at least one locomotive must be active in each DP consist, meaning that empty bulk trains running with DP must have one locomotive active at the head end, and one active at the rear.
| Description | Head end RPA | Mid train RPA | Rear end RPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermodal | 48 | 24 | 16 |
| Manifest | 42 | 24 | 16 |
| Empty Bulk | 16 | 8 | 8 |
| Loaded Bulk | 32 | 40 | 24 |
Rated Powered Axle listing
| Locomotive | RPA |
|---|---|
| All SW/GP units not otherwise listed | 4 |
| GP60M / GP60B | 5 |
| All SD units not otherwise listed | 6 |
| SD60 / SD60M | 7 |
| SD70M | 7 |
| SD75M | 7 |
| C40-8 | 7 |
| C44-9W | 8 |
| ES44DC | 8 |
| AC440CW | 8 |
| ES44AC | 8 |
| ES44C4 | 8? |
| SD70MAC | 8 |
| SD70ACe | 8 |
HP per Ton
Southern Transcon, East
On the Southern Transcon, trains east of Clovis, NM should be regulated to (i.e. must not exceed) the following maximum HP/Ton limits:
| Train Symbol | HP/T |
|---|---|
| Z, section numbers 7-9 | 3.0 |
| Z, section numbers 1-6 | 2.5 |
| Q, S, H, or M | 2.0 |
On most sections of line, these limits are very generous, and trains can run at much lower HP/T ratings - although high priority Z trains do often run at or near these limits.
Additional units are routinely carried UIT on westbound trains in preparation for steeper grades west of Clovis, or having been set UIT after passing Clovis eastbound.
Southern Transcon, West
West of Clovis, trains must meet a minimum of 1.4 HP per Ton.
Cajon Pass
Trains proceeding over Cajon Pass must meet the following restrictions:
| Train Description | HP/T Cajon Westbound | HP/T Cajon Eastbound | Tons Cajon Westbound | Tons Cajon Eastbound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DP Intermodal | 1.8 | 2.3 | ||
| DP Coal | 1.8 | 2.3 | ||
| DP Other | 1.8 | 2.3 | ||
| Intermodal | 2.0 | 2.5 | 11,500 | 8,500 |
| Coal | 2.0 | 2.5 | 11,500 | 8,500 |
| Other | 2.0 | 2.5 | 8,500 | 6,500 |
CN
Length
The Western region is defined as all lines west of Winnipeg, and the Eastern region as all lines east of there.
Intermodal trains 111, 112, 114, and 115 are specially excepted from Eastern Region rules, following Western Region rules instead.
Manifest trains between Winnipeg and Toronto are occasionally permitted to exceed the 8,500ft length limitation, though siding length restrictions prevent all trains from exceeding this limit.
| Description | Length (ft), Western Region | Length (ft), Eastern Region | Length (ft), US South Region | Maximum distance (ft) between DPU consists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-DPU Intermodal | 10,500 | 10,000 | 10,500 | |
| Non-DPU manifest | 10,500 | 8,500 (see exceptions above) | 10,500 | |
| DPU Intermodal | 16,000 | 10,000 (see exceptions above) | 12,000 | 11,200 |
| DPU Manifest | 11,750 | 8,500 (see exceptions above) | 10,500 | 10,500 |
Locomotives
Each locomotive consist may contain up to 18 powered axles.
HP per Ton
The Western region is defined as all lines west of Winnipeg, and the Eastern region as all lines east of there.
| Description | Minimum HP/T, Western Region | Minimum HP/T, Eastern Region | Minimum HP/T, US South Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermodal | 0.6 | 1.0 | 0.8 |
| Manifest | 0.45 | 0.75 | 0.75 |
Note that higher restrictions may apply on steeply graded routes.
CP
Length
The maximum distance between the head-end locomotives and the rear-most DP consist is 10,000 feet.
Locomotives
A train may have up to 3 DP consists throughout the train. Consists are limited by Equivalent Driving Axles (EA). A "Heavy Bulk" train is defined as one where all cars exceed 100 tons and are 65 ft or less in length.
| Description | Head end EA | Mid train EA | Rear end EA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 24 | 24 | 12 |
| Heavy Bulk | 30 | 24 | 12 |
On conventional (non-DP) trains and Heavy Bulk trains, up to 30 axles may used on the head end on the following routes:
- Vancouver, BC to Montreal, QC
- Calgary, AB to Edmonton, AB
- Dunmore, AB - Lethbridge, AB - Sparwood, BC - Fort Steele, BC - Kingsgate, ID
- Fort Steele, BC - Golden, BC
- Moose Jaw, SK - Portal, ND
On all other routes cleared for 6-axle power, only 24 axles may be used. On routes cleared for only 4-axle power, only 16 axles may be used.
When carrying locomotives dead in tow, the total number of locomotives in a consist must not exceed 8.
Equivalent Driving Axle listing
| Locomotive | Equivalent Axles, without PTC/QEG | Equivalent Axles, with PTC/QEG | Haulage Rating, without PTC/QEG | Haulage Rating, with PTC/QEG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP7u | 4 | 4 | 1000 | 1000 |
| GP9u | 4 | 4 | 1000 | 1000 |
| GP38 | 4 | 5 | 1000 | 1300 |
| GP40 | 4 | 4 | 1000 | 1000 |
| SD40 | 6 | 7 | 1500 | 1790 |
| SD60 | 8 | 8 | 2000 | 2000 |
| AC4400CW | 9 | 12 | 2220 | 2950 |
| SD70MAC | 9 | 12 | 2220 | 2950 |
| SD70ACe | 9 | 12 | 2220 | 2950 |
| SD90MAC | 9 | 12 | 2220 | 2950 |
GP7u and GP9u units may only operate in multiple with each other, and not any other class of locomotive.
Weight / HP per Ton
CP calculates weight / HP per Ton limits based on Haulage Rating (varies by locomotive) and Haulage Factor (varies by subdivision).
The limit is calculated by:
- Sum the Haulage Rating of all locomotives. If the train does not have DP, this value is capped at 7500 in 30 driving axle territory, and 7160 in 24 driving axle territory, even if the available locomotives exceed it.
- Find the ruling Haulage Factor of the subdivision/route
- Multiply 1 by 2 to get the maximum weight in tons
Haulage Ratings
| Locomotive | Haulage Rating, without PTC/QEG | Haulage Rating, with PTC/QEG | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP7u | 1000 | 1000 | ||
| GP9u | 1000 | 1000 | ||
| GP38 | 4 | 5 | 1000 | 1300 |
| GP40 | 1000 | 1000 | ||
| SD40 | 1500 | 1790 | ||
| SD60 | 2000 | 2000 | ||
| AC4400CW | 2220 | 2950 | ||
| SD70MAC | 2220 | 2950 | ||
| SD70ACe | 2220 | 2950 | ||
| SD90MAC | 2220 | 2950 |
Haulage Capacities
The following values are the limiting factors across the whole subdivision. HP/T values are computed for 6-axle AC locomotives.
These values are dated to the early/mid 2000s, and are possibly to be overestimates of modern HP/T values for DP trains.
| Subdivision | Start | End | Haulage Factor | HP/T |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade | Vancouver, BC | North Bend, BC | 1.92 | 0.8 |
| Thompson | North Bend, BC | Kamloops, BC | 2.15 | 0.7 |
| Shuswap | Kamloops, BC | Revelstoke, BC | 1.58 | 1.0 |
| Mountain | Revelstoke, BC | Field, BC | 0.83 | 1.8 |
| Windermere | Golden, BC | Fort Steele, BC | 2.72 | 0.6 |
| Cranbrook | Cranbrook, BC (Fort Steele, BC) | Crowsnest, BC | 1.6 | 1.0 |
| Fording River | Sparwood, BC | Fording, BC | (Downgrade for loaded trains) | |
| Moyie | Cranbrook, BC | Kingsgate, ID | 1.75 | 0.9 |
| Nelson | Curzon, BC (Jct Moyie Sub) | Nelson, BC | 1.6 | 1.0 |
| Boundary | Nelson, BC | Castlegar, BC | 1.9 | 0.8 |
| Rossland | Castlegar, BC | Trail, BC | 0.5 | 3.0 |
| Laggan | Field, BC | Calgary, AB | 0.83 (EB), 2.03 (WB) | 1.8 (EB), 0.8 (WB) |
| Brooks | Calgary, AB | Medicine Hat, AB | 1.68 | 0.9 |
| Maple Creek | Medicine Hat, AB | Swift Current, SK | 1.88 (EB), 3.2 (WB), | 0.8 (EB), 0.5 (WB) |
| Aldersyde | Lethbridge, AB | Calgary, AB | 2.4 | 0.7 |
| Taber | Lethbridge, AB | Dunmore, AB (Jct Maple Creek Sub) | 2.0 | 0.8 |
| Montana | Lethbridge, AB | Sweet Grass, MT | 1.6 | 0.9 |
| Crowsnest | Crowsnest, BC | Lethbridge, AB | 1.77 | 1.0 |
| Red Deer | Calgary, AB | Red Deer, AB | 1.85 | 0.8 |
| Leduc | Red Deer, AB | Edmonton, AB | 2.2 | 0.7 |
| Wetaskiwin | Hardisty, AB | Wetaskiwin, AB (Jct Leduc Sub) | 1.9 | 0.8 |
| Scotford | Edmonton, AB | Scotford, AB | 3.2 | 0.5 |
| Brandon | Broadview, SK | Brandon, MB | 3.2 | 0.5 |
| Carberry | Brandom, MB | Winnipeg, MB | 6.0 (EB), 2.8 (WB) | 0.3 (EB), 0.6 (WB) |
| Bredenbury | Bredenbury, SK | Minnedosa, MB | 1.52 (EB), 1.1 (WB) | 1.0 (EB), 1.4 (WB) |
| Minnedosa | Minnedosa, MB | Portage La Prairie, MB | 1.7 | 0.9 |
| Kenora | Winnipeg, MB | Kenora, ON | 3.3 | 0.5 |
| Ignace | Kenora, ON | Ignace, ON | 3.3 | 0.5 |
| Emerson | Winnipeg, MB | Noyes, MN | 5.0 | 0.3 |
| La Riviere | Winnipeg, MB | La Riviere, MB | 1.72 | 0.9 |
| Kaministiquia | Ignace, ON | Thunder Bay, ON | 3.3 (EB), 1.9 (WB) | 0.5 (EB), 0.8 (WB) |
| Nipigon | Thunder Bay, ON | Schreiber, ON | 1.7 | 0.9 |
| Heron Bay | Schreiber, ON | White River, ON | 1.7 | 0.9 |
| White River | White River, ON | Chapleau, ON | 1.7 | 0.9 |
| Nemegos | Chapleau, ON | Cartier, ON | 1.7 | 0.9 |
| Cartier | Cartier, ON | Coniston (Sudbury), ON | 1.66 | 0.9 |
| Parry Sound | Romford (Sudbury), ON | Mactier, ON | 3.15 | 0.5 |
| Mactier | Toronto, ON | Mactier, ON | 2.30 | 0.7 |
| Windsor | Detroit, MI | London, ON | 1.76 | 0.9 |
| Galt | London, ON | Toronto, ON | 3.20 (EB), 1.70 (WB) | 0.5 (EB), 0.9 (WB) |
| Belleville | Toronto, ON | Smiths Falls, ON | 2.10 (EB), 2.90 (WB) | 0.7 (EB), 0.5 (WB) |
| Hamilton | Guelph Jct, ON (Jct Galt Sub) | Niagara Falls, ON | 1.83 (EB), 0.90 (WB) | 0.8 (EB), 1.7 (WB) |
| Winchester | Smiths Falls, ON | Dorion, QC | 3.20 | 0.5 |
| Vaudreuil | Dorion, QC | Montreal, QC | 3.14 | 0.5 |
CSX
Train Length and Weight
Network-wide restrictions for train length and weight are as follows:
Non-DPU
| Attribute | Intermodal | Manifest | Bulk | Automotive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (ft) | 12,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Weight (tons) | 14,000 | 14,000 | 18,000 | 10,000 |
DPU
| Attribute | Intermodal | Manifest | Bulk | Automotive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (ft) | 14,000 | 12,000 | 12,000 | 14,000 |
| Weight (tons) | 16,000 | 20,000 | 24,000 | 14,000 |
DP units must be no further than 7,000 feet from the head end of the train.
These limits may be further reduced on a local basis by siding infrastructure or other local restrictions, and may be exceeded by specially designated trains or with special approval.
NS
Length
DPU consists must not be separated by more than 8,500 ft.
In manifest trains, 50-75% of the train's tonnage must be ahead of mid-train DP consists. This limitation does not apply to trains received in interchange.
When ambient temperatures drop below 34F, a maximum train length if 10,000ft is recommended; further length reductions are recommended, down to 4,000ft below -16F. When a train has DP consists, this recommended length restriction applies to the maximum distance between any car and the nearest DP consist.
Locomotives
Trains are limited in power by equivalent conventional powered axles (EPA) as listed below (as of 2019). DC high-adhesion axles count as 1 1/3 conventional powered axles each, and AC powered axles count as 1 1/2 conventional powered axles each
| Description | Head end EPA | Mid train EPA | Rear end EPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 27 | 18 | 18 |
| Loaded Coal | 32 | 18 | 18, 24 where authorised |
| Loaded Bulk up to 100 cars | 32 | 18 | 18, 24 where authorised |
| Loaded Bulk over 100 cars | 27 | 18 | 18, 24 where authorised |
Lead and DP consists must not differ by more than one locomotive - i.e. 3 locomotives leading and 1 DP locomotive is not permitted.
Equivalent Powered Axle listing
| Locomotive | EPA |
|---|---|
| All SW/GP units not otherwise listed | 4 |
| GP33ECO | 5.33 |
| GP59 / GP59E | 5.33 |
| GP60 | 5.33 |
| SD60/SD60I/SD60M/SD60E | 8 |
| All SD units not otherwise listed | 6 |
| SD60E | 8 |
| SD70 / SD70M / SD70M-2 | 8 |
| SD75M | 8 |
| C40-8 | 8 |
| C40-9W | 8 |
| AC44C6M | 9 |
| ES44DC | 8 |
| ES44AC | 9 |
| ET44AC | 9 |
| SD70ACe | 9 |
| SD70ACe-T4 | 9 |
| SD70ACu | 9 |
| SD80MAC | 9 |
UP
Length
East
Restrictions for train makeup east of Picacho AZ, Cheyenne WY, and Denver CO are as follows:
| Description | Length (ft) | Distance (ft) between DP consists |
|---|---|---|
| Non-DPU | 10,000 | |
| One DPU consist, Intermodal | 15,000 | 10,000 |
| One DPU consist, other | 15,000 | 10,000 |
| Multiple DPU consists | 18,000 (15,000 if no rear DPU) | 6,000 |
| Autorack | 10,000 |
Trains exceeding 60 loaded autoracks must place all autoracks at the rear of the train. Trains exceeding 80 loaded autoracks cannot contain more than 5 non-autorack cars.
West
Restrictions for train makeup west of Picacho AZ, Cheyenne WY, and Denver CO are as follows:
| Description | Length (ft) | Distance (ft) between DP consists |
|---|---|---|
| Non-DPU | 10,000 | |
| One DPU consist, Intermodal | 15,000 | 10,000 |
| One DPU consist, other | 15,000 | 8,500 |
| Multiple DPU consists | 18,000 (15,000 if no rear DPU) | 6,000 between each consist |
| Autorack | 10,000 |
Trains containing 60 or more autoracks are limited to 80 cars.
Weight
West
West of North Platte, Denver, and El Paso, the following trailing tonnage/car placement restrictions apply:
Empty intermodal cars cannot have more than 4,500 tons of weight behind them in the train.
Loaded spine cars cannot have more than 5,500 tons of weight behind them in the train.
Locomotives
Trains are limited in power by equivalent powered axles (EPA). Where multiple mid-train DPU consists exist, each is limited separately. A table of EPA ratings is given underneath the EPA limits table, along with an approximate conversion for six-axle AC locomotives (AC4400CW, ES44AC, ES44AH, SD70MAC, SD70ACe, SD70AH, etc.) in the table itself.
| Description | Head end EPA | Mid train EPA | Rear end EPA | Head end AC locomotives | Mid train AC locomotives | Rear end AC locomotives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intermodal | 62 | 48 | 24 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Manifest | 52 (36 if grade exceeds 1.9%) | 48 | 24 | 4 (3) | 4 | 2 |
| Empty Bulk | 52 (36 if grade exceeds 1.9%) | 36 | 24 | 4 (3) | 3 | 2 |
| Loaded Bulk | 52 (36 if grade exceeds 1.9%) | 55 | 28 | 4 (3) | 4 | 2 |
Local Restrictions
All trains processing over Cajon Pass are limited to 36 EPA.
Equivalent Powered Axle listing
Note that non-UP-owned ES44AC and ES44AH units may not be capable of CTE mode.
| Locomotive | EPA | EPA, 5/6 traction motors | EPA, 4/6 traction motors | EPA, 3/6 traction motors | EPA, remote consist in CTE mode | EPA, remote CTE, 5/6 traction motors | EPA, remote CTE, 4/6 traction motors | EPA, remote CTE, 3/6 traction motors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C40-8, C40-8W | 7.8 | |||||||
| C41-8, C41-8W | 10.1 | |||||||
| C44-9, C44-9W | 11.5 | |||||||
| ES40DC | 10.1 | |||||||
| ES44DC | 11.5 | |||||||
| SW1500 | 3.7 | |||||||
| MP15 | 4.0 | |||||||
| GP9 | 4.0 | |||||||
| GP15-1 | 3.9 | |||||||
| GP22 | 5.1 | |||||||
| GP38-2 | 4.5 | |||||||
| GP39-2 | 4.5 | |||||||
| GP40-2 | 5.0 | |||||||
| GP50 | 6.5 | |||||||
| GP60 | 8.0 | |||||||
| SD38-2 | 5.4 | |||||||
| SD40-2, SD40N, SD30Eco | 7.1 | |||||||
| SD45 | 7.0 | |||||||
| SD50 | 9.2 | |||||||
| SD59MX | 7.1 | |||||||
| SD60, SD60M | 9.9 | |||||||
| SD70, SD70M | 10.4 | |||||||
| SD75 | 10.3 | |||||||
| C44AC, C44/60AC, C44ACCCA, C6044AC | 12.1 | 11.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | ||||
| C44ACCTE, C45ACCTE, C45AH, C44ACM, ES44AC, ES44AH | 12.1 | 11.0 | 11.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | |||
| CW60AC | 12.1 | 12.0 | 11.0 | 8.0 | ||||
| SD70MAC | 10.4 | 6.0 | ||||||
| SD70ACe, SD70AH | 12.0 | 7.0 | 11.0 | |||||
| SD70AH-T4 | 12.0 | 12.0 | 12.0 | 9.0 | 11.0 | |||
| SD9043AC | 11.6 | 7.0 |
HP per Ton
UP expresses train limits as TPA, or Tons per Powered Axle. These can be approximately translated to HP/Ton limits - the numbers below assume AC units at 4400 HP and 12.1 EPA.
| Location | Minimum TPA | Minimum HP/T |
|---|---|---|
| Cascade Subdivision (Eugene OR - Klamath Falls OR) | 170 | 2.1 (summer), 2.4 (winter) |
| Donner Pass, west slope | 165 | 2.2 |
| Tehachapi Pass, west slope | 188 | 1.9 |
Trains over Cajon Pass must meet BNSF HP/T minimums.
