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From: Tim O'Connor [mailto:timoconnor@...]

What exactly is meant by this term?

Modern definition as cited by several railroads:

RECIPROCAL SWITCHING - The term reciprocal switching means
the movement of a carload in switching service for loading
or unloading, preceding or following the road haul movement
over another railroad, from or to the point of interchange
with the connecting railroad at the switching station, to
any other point within the limits of the switching station,
and the movement of the empty car in reverse direction.

Reciprocal switching will only be performed on movements
within the specified limits of the switching station and for
carriers listed in this Section.

I also saw it was up to the railroads or the regulators to make any and all
decisions about reciprocal switching. While advantageous to the shipper it
appears they cannot just do it themselves.

Dave Nelson