--- title: Unit Trains --- What Are The Issues description: Discover why unit trains remain coupled or broken into smaller strings of coupled cars, along with the importance of properly spotting rail cars. --- [![carbis solutions logo](https://content.carbissolutions.com/hubfs/logo-new.png)](http://www.carbissolutions.com/) - Call UsUS 1-800-948-7750 Global +1-843-669-6668 - [Careers](https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=49074D9C17442AAF1998B33263B06D96) - Products![](https://content.carbissolutions.com/hubfs/drop-down-clear-4.png) - [Complete Truck and Rail Loading Systems](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/complete-truck-and-rail-loading-systems/) - [Loading Platforms](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/loading-platforms/) - [Elevated Platforms](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/elevated-platforms/) - [Elevated Truck Platforms](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/elevated-truck-platforms/) - [ISO Container Safety Platform](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product/iso-container-safety-platform/) - 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[Contact An Expert](https://www.carbissolutions.com/contact/) Menu Home Products Services Solutions Resources Resources Resources The Workplace Safety Blog ## Safety & Fall Prevention Insights From Carbis Solutions # Unit Trains --- What Are The Issues The Carbis Team | Apr 5, 2016 8:30:00 AM ![Learn the importance of how to safely deal with unit trains.](https://content.carbissolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Unit-trains.jpg?width=307&name=Unit-trains.jpg "Learn the importance of how to safely deal with unit trains.")Unit trains, which are common in the crude oil market, consist of 60 or more tank cars carrying the same commodity to a single destination. Tank car design, along with loading and unloading processes, significantly impact rail safety and efficiency. Before crude oil unit trains, most companies left their cars uncoupled. Now, with unit trains having cars of varying lengths and platform configurations, you must take into account rail safety equipment, spotting and loading/unloading procedures. Since unit trains are almost always left coupled, you should take rail safety considerations into account to allow flexibility when positioning the gangways. It’s important to slow down, check your work and take the time to understand your rail site. Working too quickly may result in injuries or death. ### Why Uncoupling Is Not Ideal When it comes to rail cars, uncoupling is ideal in most situations due to the variations encountered during spotting. However, with unit trains, uncoupling is not recommended. Uncoupling unit trains takes significantly more time and costs more money in the long run. It also has the potential to decrease throughput and production efficiency. If needed, the string of rail cars may be divided into two or more strings to allow for positioning on both sides of the loading/unloading rack(s). This practice minimizes piping requirements, (un)loading equipment, and how far the gangways/fall protection equipment must be moved. Knowing how to spot a string of cars is also very important in this process. ### The Importance Of Rail Car Spotting Here are some important factors to consider: - Easy access to the rail car without having to climb over a railing - Location of where you will be loading or unloading - Opening the dome or hatch on the rail car - Interaction with your loading apparatus, such as a hose or loading arm While the initial costs may be higher to couple your unit trains, the cost of uncoupling and recoupling cars is significantly higher in the long run and slows down your operation. If you’re still unsure how to best handle your unit trains, [work with your rail safety equipment provider](https://content.carbissolutions.com/free-consultation). Your vendor can help you assess your facility and determine the best option for your business. **Learn more about fall prevention strategies and improving rail safety by watching this free webinar from Carbis Solutions.** [![Watch our free on-demand webinar on rail car fall prevention, with strategies for safer loading and unloading.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/455611/d6eb5a14-8412-401c-85e2-63a1be649a83.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/455611/d6eb5a14-8412-401c-85e2-63a1be649a83) [View All Posts](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/) [Older Post](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/aircraft-fall-prevention-4-challenges-3-safety-solutions) [Newer Post](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/increase-throughput-at-your-food-and-beverage-facility-with-these-5-tips) SHARE THIS PAGE: - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### POPULAR TOPICS - [Fall Prevention & Protection (50)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/fall-prevention-protection) - [Fluid Handling (50)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/fluid-handling) - [Safety Equipment Purchasing & Replacement (18)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/safety-equipment-purchasing-replacement) - [Corporate and OSHA Compliance (14)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/corporate-and-osha-compliance) - [safety (9)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/safety) - [Chemical Transfer (7)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/chemical-transfer) - [Marine Fall Prevention & Safety (7)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/marine-fall-prevention-safety) - [Training (7)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/training) - [Truck Safety (7)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/truck-safety) - [Rail Spotting (5)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/rail-spotting) - [Truck Spotting (5)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/truck-spotting) - [Loading Arms (4)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/loading-arms) - [Railroad Saftey (4)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/railroad-saftey) - [Flatbed Tarping (3)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/flatbed-tarping) - [loading rack safety (3)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/loading-rack-safety) - [Crude Oil (2)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/crude-oil) - [ISO Containers (2)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/iso-containers) - [Skid Systems (1)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/skid-systems) ## RECENT POSTS - [Efficiency and Safety: The Role of Scale Systems in Product Transfer](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/efficiency-and-safety-the-role-of-scale-systems-in-product-transfer) - [Truck and Rail Access Gangways](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/platforms-and-catwalks-the-bones-of-your-operation-0) - [Platforms and Catwalks - The Bones of Your Operation](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/platforms-and-catwalks-the-bones-of-your-operation) - [Truck and Rail Safety Cages – Protection with Room to Move](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/truck-and-rail-safety-cages-proper-protection-with-room-to-move-0) ![](https://www.carbissolutions.com/wp-content/themes/carbis/assets/img/logo-footer-new.png) - [Services](https://www.carbissolutions.com/services/) - [Solutions](https://www.carbissolutions.com/solutions/) - [Products](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/) - [Resources](https://www.carbissolutions.com/resources/) - [About Us](https://www.carbissolutions.com/about-us/) - [Contact Us](https://www.carbissolutions.com/contact/) - [Careers](https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/at-jobopportunities.php?clientkey=FE3AB7EB4121E2287BE5E54B21FD659E) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.carbissolutions.com/privacy-policy/) - [Product Documentation](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product-documentation/) Get in Touch [sales@carbissolutions.com](mailto:sales@carbissolutions) US 1-800-948-7750 Global +1-843-669-6668 Fax 1-843-662-1536 ![](https://www.carbissolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/chat-feature-image.png) Contact a Loading Rack Expert Now. **Safety Consultant Chat Hours:** M-F 8AM-5PM EST [Contact Now](https://www.carbissolutions.com/contact/) © 2018 Carbis Solutions | [Privacy Policy](https://www.carbissolutions.com/privacy-policy/) - - - -