How do train schedules account for the lengths of trains? Suppose a freight train has a 8:15 arrival time at a station, but the 8:00 train has 400 cars — how is that managed?

Question

How do train schedules account for the lengths of trains? Suppose a freight train has a 8:15 arrival time at a station, but the 8:00 train has 400 cars — how is that managed?

In: 3

Answer 1

400 car trains are super expensive to start and stop, so that’s going to factor into the schedule more than the length.