Shunting

Shunting is a type of delivery order that involves sorting trains before and after the freight haul deliveries.

Sorting trains before the freight haul starts by picking up empty cars from storage tracks that may be occupied by other trains, bringing them together to the cargo transfer track to load , and finally taking them loaded to the output track , ready for a freight haul delivery.

Sorting trains after the freight haul starts by taking the loaded train to the cargo transfer track to unload, then proceeding to drop off the cars at the storage tracks, where other trains may reside too.

Shunting orders may involve sharing tracks with other trains, but nevertheless the destination tracks are always guaranteed to have enough room for all the cars. Some nudging of the already present cars may be necessary within the same track, but they all fit. Locomotives do not need to fit.

Shunting deliveries can involve between one and three empty car pick-up or drop-off tracks, as indicated on a respective delivery order overview . This affects the complexity of the order, but also its payment .

When a train is at the required cargo transfer track, use the cargo transfer machine to load or unload cargo.

Shunting orders are the most dangerous type of orders, especially when dealing with hazardous cargo . This is because they involve a lot of contact between vehicles , switching , and maneuvering among buildings and trees that may obstruct the view, making them particularly prone to human error.

Depending on the type of a shunting order, completing it will create either a freight haul or a logistical haul order.

Some of the item equipment that can notably help with the shunting process include the locomotive remote controller , switch setter , distance tracker , proximity sensor and flag markers.