Goods Handling in Rail Transport

In this chapter, "goods" includes timber, bones, tiles, motor-cars, carriages, coal, coke, and all other items transported by rail.

Any vehicle used to transport goods by the railway is a "wagon".

Railway tariffs define conditions for consignors, consignees, and endorsees loading and unloading goods.

The railway handles goods through its staff, authorised contractors, or authorized Station Masters.

No special returns are needed for railway staff handling because their wages are recorded in regular payroll.

Handling contracts for goods are awarded at headquarters/divisional level, ensuring stations have a copy of agreement.

Station Masters check that contractors follow their agreement and don't involve a conflicting agency in goods handling tasks.

A set of tasks performed by station staff, including wagon cleaning, weighing, placement, and more.

The process of sweeping and cleaning railway wagons before loading.

Equipment used to measure the weight of goods.

Placing and removing inward goods for weighing or re-weighing.

Placing wagons by hand shunting, under supervision.

Closing and sealing outward wagons.

Contractor's responsibility to supply sufficient, able-bodied labor.

Contractors cannot hire laborers under 15 years old.

Contractors cannot use railway employees or previous employees without permission.

A document that records the weight of goods handled by a contractor and calculates the amount they are paid for handling those goods.

Goods transported from one railway to another, passing through a station.

A document that lists goods not handled by the contractor, such as those loaded and unloaded by consignees, mills, or private firms.

Certain weights are deducted from the total weight of goods handled to arrive at the net weight for which the contractor is paid.

The final weight of goods handled by the contractor, after deductions, for which they are paid.

The contractor is responsible for ensuring labourers are properly managed, conduct themselves well, and are suitable for the job.

Contractors are required to employ only labourers whose character has been verified by the police and deemed fit for working at railway goods sheds and stations.

The contractor must terminate any labourer deemed indifferent, insubordinate, or unsuitable for the work by the Station Master.

The contractor must prevent labourers from demanding or receiving any remuneration or gratuity from anyone except the contractor or their agents.

Labourers employed by the contractor must work under the supervision of the Station Master or other railway staff.

The contractor must ensure efficient work by establishing proper arrangements for supervising and inspecting all handling, loading, and transshipment operations.

Railway officials have the right to supervise and inspect the work of the labour supplied by the contractor.

The contractor or their authorized agent must be available at the station during working hours for contact by railway staff.

The contractor is responsible for any loss, destruction, deterioration of goods, or delay caused by insufficient labourers, carelessness, neglect, or misconduct of the labourers.

The contractor is liable for all legal expenses incurred by the railway due to issues caused by the labourers they employ.

The demurrage costs associated with wagons used by the contractor should not be included in the station's financial records.

The railway generally does not provide housing, cooking, or washing facilities for the contractor's laborers at the station.

The station master can allow laborers to use designated areas for sleeping and meal preparation, but this permission can be revoked at any time.

Families of laborers are generally not allowed on railway premises, but one person can bring food to a laborer.

The contractor is entitled to free telegram services related to genuine railway business and the handling contract, as certified by the station staff.

The contractor must assist with emergencies, such as accidents or line breaches, using all available labor. Additional payment is provided for this work.

To request labor beyond the handling contract, use Form Com./L-13, which includes a requisition and certificate sections for tracking.

Contractors are not allowed to sublet their handling contract, either partially or entirely.

The Station Master is responsible for ensuring contractors adhere to their agreement and prevent any conflicting agencies from handling goods.

'Goods' refer to all types of items transported by rail, including timber, bones, tiles, motor-cars, carriages, coal and coke.

A 'wagon' is any vehicle used to transport goods by the railway, including various types of freight cars.

Loading and unloading of goods can be done by the railway staff, authorized contractors, or authorized station masters.

Contracts for handling goods at stations, sheds, and trains are awarded by Headquarters/Divisional Office, with stations receiving a copy of the agreement.

Contractors must employ only labourers whose character has been verified by the police and deemed fit for working at railway goods sheds and stations.

The contractor must terminate any labourer deemed indifferent, insubordinate, or unsuitable for the work by the Station Master.

The contractor is responsible for the proper conduct of labourers employed at goods sheds and station premises. They must ensure the labourers are suitable for the job and maintain good behaviour.

The Station Master has the authority to dismiss any labourer deemed indifferent, insubordinate, or unsuitable for employment. The contractor must comply with this decision.

The contractor is responsible for preventing labourers from receiving any rewards or gifts (gratuities) from anyone except the contractor or their agents. This ensures fair treatment.

The Station Master or other railway staff must supervise the work of the contractor's labourers. This ensures proper handling of goods and adherence to safety procedures.

The contractor is responsible for establishing arrangements for supervising and inspecting all handling, loading, and transshipment operations. This ensures efficiency and proper goods handling.

Railway officials have the authority to supervise and inspect the work of the labour supplied by the contractor. They can verify the quality of the work and ensure safety.

The contractor or their authorized agent must be available at the station during working hours for contact by railway staff. This ensures prompt communication and problem-solving.

The contractor is responsible for any loss, destruction, or deterioration of goods or delay caused by insufficient labourers, their negligence, or misconduct. They must compensate for any damages.

The contractor is responsible for delays caused by insufficient laborers, negligence, incompetence, or dishonesty of their employees, or any other reason. They may face financial penalties in addition to agreement violations.

If a contractor fails to release wagons within the agreed-upon free time, they are charged demurrage fees, as stipulated in the contract.

A register is maintained to track wagons handled by contractors, including details of their release, demurrage charges, and signatures for accountability.

At the end of each month, a summary of demurrage charges incurred by contractors is compiled and included with the handling bill.

A document that records the weight of goods handled by a contractor and calculates the amount they are paid for handling those goods, including any demurrage charges.