49 CFR § 218.127 - Specific freight train exceptions to crew size safety requirements.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t49/s218.127"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "49 CFR § 218.127 - Specific freight train exceptions to crew size safety requirements."
title_number: 49
title_name: "Transportation"
section_number: "218.127"
section_name: "Specific freight train exceptions to crew size safety requirements."
chapter_name: "FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION"
part_number: "218"
part_name: "RAILROAD OPERATING PRACTICES"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "49 U.S.C. 20103, 20107, 20131, 20138, 20144, 20168; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; and 49 CFR 1.89."
regulatory_source: "44 FR 2175, Jan. 10, 1979, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "218"
---


# 218.127 Specific freight train exceptions to crew size safety requirements.

The requirements in this subpart are not applicable to the following freight train operations that are operated with a one-person train crew:

(a) *Mine load out, plant dumping, or similar operation exception.* A unit freight train:

(1) Being loaded or unloaded in an assembly line manner;

(2) Located on a track that is temporarily made inaccessible from the general railroad system of transportation;

(3) Moving at a maximum authorized speed of 10 miles per hour or less;

(4) Not requiring the one-person train crewmember to operate a hand-operated switch, fill out paperwork, or call signal indications during the loading or unloading process; and

(5) If the operation is overseen by another person, typically in a tower or on the ground, requiring that person to have the capability of communicating with the one-person train crewmember operating the train.

(b) [Reserved]