These documents facilitated the movement of rail freight. One, attached to the railcar itself, identified its contents, origin, and destination. The other, carried by the train crew, provided a detailed manifest for the entire consist. For example, a railcar transporting lumber from Oregon to Chicago would have a card indicating this information, while the crew’s manifest would list that car along with all other cars in the train.
The implementation of such a system streamlined operations, providing crucial data for tracking, billing, and efficient routing. Historically, reliance on these documents minimized errors and delays, ensuring goods reached their intended recipients promptly. This approach proved essential for maintaining the economic viability of rail transport, especially during periods of high demand.
