ORGANIZATION: The transportation company is designed to provide flexibility required to operate a relatively small number of heavy trains in rear areas, a relatively large number of light trains in forward areas, to provide switching operations at terminals, or any combination of these duties. It is normally organized with a company headquarters and two train-operating platoons (see T/O 55-229). It may be organized with only one or with more than two train-operating platoons as conditions require.

FUNCTION: a. The transportation company operates trains, yards, and stations within territorial limits of the railway division. Chief responsibility is expeditious handling of traffic. Every effort must be made to deliver freight and troops to their destinations at the time they are required. Initiative and ingenuity must be developed to insure a constant flow of supplies to troops in spite of physical difficulties.

b. The number of trains which may be operated in 24 hours depends upon the length of the line, condition of track and equipment, number and location of passing tracks, nearness to front, etc. For the purpose of planning it may be assumed that the transportation company has sufficient personnel to operate a maximum of 20 trains in each direction in 24 hours. Twenty-five train crews are provided in each operating platoon but the number of trains which can be operated normally must be reduced below twenty-five in order to permit periodic rest, and switching crews for yard operation.

COMPANY HEADQUARTERS: Provides personnel for supervision, inspection, and administration of the company and for yard and station operation of the railway division. Minor stations are normally in charge of a T/₄ station agent. Stationmasters who are members of the staff of the general superintendent may be assigned to the superintendent, and will be located at important railway stations in addition to the station agents to expedite movement of troops and supplies. The stationmaster represents the superintendent of the railway division in which he is located and, under the supervision of the trainmaster, is in charge of all railway troops at his station.

a. Captain, commanding the company, is trainmaster for the railway division. He is responsible to the division superintendent or assistant superintendent for discipline, training, messing, housing, and general care of his men, and for operation of trains, yards, and stations. He sees that prescribed rules and regulations are complied with. In the absence of instruction from higher authority, he prescribes such rules and regulations as may be required in the interest of safe and efficient operation. He sees that no unnecessary trains are run, and that trains move promptly and regularly over the division. He investigates train delays and accidents, inspects condition of equipment and stations, supervises loading and unloading of cars, and sees that cars are used to the fullest extent. He cooperates with the train movement section of headquarters company, and makes such recommendations relating to train movements as may improve operating conditions.

b. First lieutenant, general Yardmaster, reports to the trainmaster. He has charge of making up trains and distribution of cars in the yards. He is responsible that train operating platoon receives early information concerning train movements so that crews will be available. He sees that cars are properly placed for loading and unloading and that all cars needing repairs are sent to repair tracks or to the shop. He keeps such records and submits such reports as may be required by higher authority or may be necessary in the interest of efficient operation.

c. Second lieutenant, assistant to trainmaster, assists the trainmaster in the performance of his duties and performs such tasks as are assigned to him by the trainmaster.

d. First sergeant

e. Technical sergeant, trainmaster's clerk, performs such duty and compiles such records and reports as are required. He is assisted by one clerk. Additional clerical help may be assigned to him from the basic privates.

f. Staff sergeant. (1) Under the supervision of the general Yardmaster, a Yardmaster, staff sergeant, is provided for each shift to provide 24-hour yard operation. Each Yardmaster is responsible for make-up of trains, switching and placing of cars in his yard during his shift, and for personnel engaged upon these activities. They are assisted by one clerk (T/₅) each. Supply sergeant, staff sergeant, is charged with receipt and issue of supplies and equipment. He keeps in touch with supply requirements of the company and prepares requisitions. He has supply clerks and truck drivers as assistants. The trucks are under his direction. He works under the technical supervision of the division storekeeper.

(2) Yard conductors report to and receive instructions from the Yardmaster in charge of the yard in which they operate. The yard conductor and the switching crew which he commands are both drawn from the operating platoon.

g. Corporal, company clerk, assists the first sergeant in the care and preparation of records of the company. T-₅ general clerk acts as assistant company clerk.

h. Privates. Bugler reports to first sergeant. Chauffeurs report to supply sergeant, yard clerks report to general Yardmaster or his assistant, two clerks to first sergeant. Basic privates report to first sergeant for assignment of duties.

TRAIN-OPERATING PLATOON: This platoon is composed of headquarters and 25 train crews and is charged with operation of trains between terminals, and switching operations as required.

a. Platoon headquarters. Supervises, dispatches, and inspects train crews.

(1) - First lieutenant, platoon commander and traveling engineer or road foreman of engines, reports to and receives instructions from the trainmaster and cooperates with the master mechanic to insure proper mechanical condition of motive power. He has authority over train crews. He frequently rides upon engines and instructs engineers and firemen in their duties.- He takes measures to avoid engine failures and delays.' He reports any deficiency in water and fuel to the trainmaster. He informs the trainmaster and master mechanic of condition of engines leaving the shop for service.

(2) - Technical sergeant, assistant road foreman of engines, assists the road foreman in the performance of all his technical duties.

(3) - Staff sergeant, clerk to road foreman of engines, performs such duties as may be delegated to him by the platoon commander. He normally handles administrative matters, keeps platoon records, and supervises dispatch of crews. He is assisted by crew dispatchers, technician ₅th grade.

(4) - Privates, basic, are assigned to duties by the clerk to road foreman of engines.

b. Train crews. Operates either a freight or a passenger train or performs switching operations.

(1) - Sergeant, train conductor, is responsible for prompt movement of freight and passengers to their destination, and for safety and condition of train en route. He is governed by rules and regulations prescribed for operation of trains.

(2) - Privates and technician grades, brakemen, engineer, and fireman. The brakemen (privates) report directly to the conductor. The engineer (T/₄) reports to the conductor and is responsible for mechanical condition of the locomotive, for observance of rules and regulations applicable to it, and for prompt and efficient discharge of duty by the fireman (T/₅).