Freight Car Guide
かしゃゆうどうがかり
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A job that safely shunts and marshals freight train cars within railway yards and arranges them in configurations suitable for operation.
Description
Freight car guides work as yard workers in rail freight transportation, using shunting locomotives or hand-pushing devices to move, couple, and uncouple freight cars. They coordinate with drivers via radio or hand signals, checking switch positions and brake hose connections to ensure safety. The job involves outdoor standing work and climbing on/off vehicles, requiring precise and quick operations. With experience, career paths include team leader or yard operations manager.
Future Outlook
While demand for freight rail is expected to remain stable or increase with the transition to a decarbonized society, business efficiency may improve through the introduction of automation and remote operation technologies.
Personality Traits
Cautious / Excellent judgment / Strong sense of responsibility / Team-oriented
Work Style
Night shifts / Outdoor work / Shift work / Standing work / Team work
Career Path
Shunting Worker Apprentice → Freight Car Guide → Team Leader → Yard Operations Manager → Safety Manager
Required Skills
Coupler Operation / Hand Signals / Radio Communication / Safety Checks / Shunting Locomotive Operation
Recommended Skills
Emergency Response Training / Forklift Operation Training / Hazardous Materials Handler (Type B) / Knowledge of Railway Safety Regulations
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Detailed checks are needed for brake hose connections, switch positions, etc. |
| Communication Skills | Accurate communication via radio or hand signals is essential. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Long outdoor work hours and handling heavy equipment require physical stamina. |
| Stress Tolerance | Precise work is required within limited time, and mistakes are not tolerated. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Required to collaborate with multiple workers and drivers to ensure safety. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Creativity is not required much as operations follow standard procedures. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Numerical analysis is hardly required. |
Aliases
- Shunting Worker
Related Jobs
- Locomotive Engineer
- Track Maintenance Technician
- Train Conductor