In the context of rail switching, what does "shunting" refer to?

Shunting refers specifically to the process of moving train cars around within a rail yard. This involves the repositioning of rolling stock, such as freight cars or locomotives, to organize them for loading, unloading, or assembling trains. In a rail yard, shunting is an essential operation that helps maintain efficiency and logistics, allowing for effective train management.

This activity can include tasks such as moving cars to specific tracks where they will be loaded or unloaded, or assembling cars into a complete train before departure. Understanding shunting is critical for anyone involved in rail operations because it directly impacts the flow of traffic and the operational efficiency of the rail yard.

Other options deal with different aspects of rail operations, such as attaching cars or the use of air brakes, which, while important, do not capture the specific function of shunting.