At transfer points, a transfer agent performs duties similar to those performed in the positions just considered. He sees that shipments are properly transferred. He makes the necessary notations on waybills, and keeps a complete record of the transfer and of the cost incurred. He must understand loading and unloading freight and must be able to handle laborers. Not infrequently he has been promoted from a position as agent at a small station. A disabled man with good sight and hearing, who can write, might be trained for this position.
PLAN No. 968. DIVISION SUPERVISORS
At division points on the railroads, there are a number of station and yard employees whose duties are supervisory. Among these employees are the station master with his assistant, the supervising agent, the yardmaster, with his assistant, and the train director.
PLAN No. 969. THE STATION MASTER AND HIS ASSISTANT
The station master directs the making up and dispatching of local passenger trains, receives and dispatches through passenger trains, and looks after the necessary shifting of cars in such trains. He sees that all these trains are provided with crews ready to take prompt charge of the train. He has general supervision over all employees about the station, and reports on neglect of duty by any of these.
The assistant station master has the same general duties as the station master and must have the same qualifications. The assistant works when the station master is off duty, or in the larger stations relieves the station master of part of his work.
These men must be courteous to the traveling public, and must have had experience in the operation of trains in the yards, so as to be able to direct train movements efficiently. They must have the ability to handle men and to make sound decisions quickly. The physical requirements are good health, sight, and hearing. Disabilities which would not prevent quick movement from place to place would not be serious handicaps to well qualified men.
PLAN No. 970. THE SUPERVISING AGENT
The supervising agent has general charge of passenger, baggage, freight, and scale agents. He employs and supervises the employees who take care of the station grounds and buildings. He must possess executive ability, and must have had experience in the positions he supervises, to enable him to select properly qualified men, and to direct their work intelligently.