South Central Power Desk..Clovis,NM in Tales of the Jointed Track

Clovis was a hotbed on the Trans-con mainline. All the "Hot" inter modals came through here. Cuts and adds were made for the power. These add on's were mostly for freight trains. The P-Q-Z designated trains eastbound, made set outs, for other destinations. Depending on the lateness, or the HPT, Horsepower Per Trailing Ton) leaving Clovis, a locomotive was shaved off as well. The hostlers, or a switch crew, would take care of the unit. Freights, were the same. Some terminated and the power was dealt elsewhere as need. Or, if a major portion of tonnage, was left at Clovis, locomotive would be taken as well.

We would get a Clovis Terminal Plan wire after a conference call, with an update. So again, a rolling Chess game..Day or night, 24/7, it always continued.

Clovis,NM late October 1999:

I was working the day rotation. It was busy, and normal. I get a phone mail message from the IBU desk (Inter modal Business Unit). They just authorized 4 extra intermodal trains. That was a blindside, and it was going to rip most of my cuts for other trains, right out the window. The phone is ringing, its Clovis. I said, let me look this over, and get ready...I'll call you back. I have a CLOKCK (KC) 5 cars..15 because they are 3 interlocked TOFC sets. There is a CLOALT (Alliance TX ) 8 cars..so 5 spines and 7 regular TOFC. A CLONWO (New Orleans) 30 cars, and the Stake in the heart a 2 car CLOALT2. There goes five units. I ask the IBU, why cant we consolidate the two Alliance, TX trains ? "Oh the dwell time and UPS is paying extra for these". Well, I want my Goalie Mask and Chain saw ready, but its business, Railroading, and we are to provide the assets, to make the railroad operate.

I get them assigned and powered up... I call Clovis, we cuss and discuss. I am sure the "crew management" people are frothing as well.

Gary Hall, comes over, he is the Director of Locomotive Utilization. "I see you pulled this off. One unit UPS Z trains ... LOL ... If you have no power failures you'll be a hero". "Yes sir or fired and/or chastised if it fails". When your blindsided, do what can ya can.

I make another cut wire...I say work with us, we can maybe bring, this back into balance.

Well all arrived at destination, without failures. The UPS spent much funds for extra power and crew. SO !! When you see your shipment costs rise. This is a reason..