When using the radio to make a shoving movement, what communication between crew members must take place before and during the shove?

• A. Track is clear of equipment or conflicting movements; Track will remain clear to where movement will be stopped; Switches and derails are properly lined; Who will protect the shove; How the shove will be protected; Distance and direction to be shoved with the distance being acknowledged when more than 4 cars
• B. Only the distance to be shove
• C. Only the track clearance
• D. Only the protection plan

Answer: (A)

Safety in a shove relies on a complete and clear radio briefing that covers everything needed to coordinate the movement. Before starting and as the shove progresses, the crew must confirm the track status and the plan for keeping the track clear to the point where the shove ends, ensure switches and derails are properly lined, identify who will protect the shove and how that protection will be provided, and specify the distance and direction of the shove with acknowledgment of that distance when more than four cars are involved. This shared understanding lets everyone anticipate actions, cue stops if conditions change, and maintain safe control throughout the movement. Focusing on only one aspect—such as just the distance, or just track clearance, or just the protection plan—omits other critical elements and can lead to unsafe situations.