We use cookies to improve security, personalize the user experience,
enhance our marketing activities (including cooperating with our marketing partners) and for other
business use.
Click "here" to read our Cookie Policy.
By clicking "Accept" you agree to the use of cookies. Read less
Understanding Duty Tour [Federal Railroad Administration]: A Comprehensive Guide
Definition & Meaning
The term "duty tour" refers to the total time that a train employee, signal employee, or dispatching service employee is engaged in work-related activities between designated off-duty periods. For train and signal employees, this encompasses all periods of covered service and commingled service that occur between two statutory off-duty periods, which must last a minimum of eight or ten hours. For dispatching service employees, a duty tour includes all periods of covered service within any given 24-hour timeframe.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
This term is primarily used in the context of labor regulations governing railroad employees. It is relevant in the fields of transportation law and labor law. Understanding duty tours is essential for compliance with federal regulations, particularly those set forth by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Users may find it useful to access legal templates related to duty tours and hours of service through platforms like US Legal Forms, which provide resources drafted by experienced attorneys.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A train engineer works from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, takes an off-duty period from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM, and then resumes work from 12:00 AM to 8:00 AM the next day. Their duty tour includes all work hours between the off-duty periods.
Example 2: A dispatching service employee works from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Their duty tour is calculated based on all work done within that 24-hour period, regardless of breaks taken. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
The primary regulation governing duty tours for railroad employees is found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 49 CFR 228.5. This regulation outlines the definitions and requirements related to hours of service for railroad employees.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Key Differences
Duty Tour
Total work periods between off-duty times for train and signal employees, or within a 24-hour period for dispatchers.
Specific to railroad employees and includes statutory off-duty periods.
Work Shift
A set period during which an employee is scheduled to work.
Does not necessarily include off-duty periods; may vary by industry.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are a railroad employee and need to understand your duty tour, review your work schedule and off-duty periods carefully. Ensure compliance with the regulations set forth by the Federal Railroad Administration. For assistance, consider using legal form templates from US Legal Forms to help manage your hours of service documentation. If your situation is complex, it may be advisable to consult a legal professional.
Find the legal form that fits your case
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.