What does "cutting" a train refer to?

"Cutting" a train refers specifically to the action of detaching cars from a train to make adjustments or reconfigure the train. This terminology is essential in the context of rail operations, where it may be necessary to modify the makeup of a train for various reasons, such as making it more efficient for a particular route, meeting customer demands, or ensuring safety regulations are met.

When cutting a train, crew members carefully separate certain cars from the rest of the train. This process can involve planning the order of cars, assessing the cargo needs, and ensuring that the remaining train configuration is suited to its destination or operational requirements. Understanding this process is vital for those in rail operations as it affects scheduling, logistics, and overall train handling efficiency.