2.3.16 Crew Call Sheet

 Prototype Information

Crew calling is an interesting topic. Different carriers have had different systems - and virtually any system that can be devised by man and a computer is probably in play. 

In the pre -information age, callers were located at terminal stations and had books in which train crews registerd their names and the time call. Train crews were called as near as practicable one hour and thirty minutes before leaving time. If the individual had a phone he was called, if not a messenger was sent to their address to deliver the call. 

When trainmen were called and not used, they were paid a set rate determined by the railroad's Schedule of Wages, negotiated with the union(s). If a trainman did not report for duty, the next available individual was called. 

At the end of the day/run, the trainmen registered their names and the time off. Under Hour of Service rules (see below) , a set period of undisturbed rest was mandated before eligible for recall. This was one of the responsibilities of the crew caller to ensure that hours of service rules were not routinely violated.

Today some carrier's crews are 'auto-called' by computer, with the individual receiving a phone call from the computer tell them what assignment they've drawn and when to report.

The CSX calls this individual the Crew Dispatcher. His job includes:

• Call and assign train crews for rail yard and over-the-road train operations.
  
• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
• Contact individual crew members and direct them to their assigned trains
• Complete reports, process data and perform other duties

Other carriers use web sites to for.

Behind all crew calling is the federal HOS law Under current law, crews cannot be called by the company until they have had 10 hours undisturbed rest, the crews can call the company and offer to come on duty for a train on their 10 hours rested time, if they are called by the company it is the 10 hours undisturbed rest plus the 2 hours required as a normal call allowance to report - 12 hours total.

The WWSL

The WWSL has a Crew Call Sheet. Operators identify their job position interests and are assigned accordingly based on experience. 

The form is printed on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper and posted on the terminal information board.

 The current form is located below. Trains annulled on the daily schedule are crossed out by the dispatcher.

Western Washington Short Line

Crew Call Sheet

Date: _______________________

 

Train No.	RR	Type	Direction Cr	Crew	Origin	Destination
	WWSL	Dispatcher
	WWSL	Yardmaster
	WWSL	Station Agent
	OPLC	OPLC Switcher			OPLC
	STC	STC Switcher			Wickwood
	WWSL	NP Transfer	East		Demaine Yd	Brady
	WWSL	MILW/UP Transfer	West		DemaineYd	Preachers Slough
1/3	WWSL	Local Passenger	East/West		Montesano Coal Grove	Coal Grove Montesano
5/7	WWSL	Local Passenger	East/West		Montesano Coal Grove	Coal Grove Montesano
2/4	WWSL	Local Passenger	West/East		Montesano Wickwood	Wickwood Montesano
6/8	WWSL	Local Passenger	West/East		Montesano Wickwood	Wickwood Montesano
	WWSL	Local Freight	West/East		DemaineYd Coal Grove	Coal Grove DemaineYd
	WWSL	Local Freight	West/East		DemaineYd OPLC	OPLC DemaineYd
	WWSL	Local Freight	East/West		DemaineYd Wickwood	Wickwood DemaineYd
	OPLC	Local Freight	East/West		OPLC Reload	Reload OPLC
	OPLC	Local Freight	West/East		OPLC Camp 1	Camp 1 OPLC