Utility Employee

A railroad employee assigned to and functioning as a temporary member of a train or yard crew, whose primary function is to assist the train or yard crew in the assembly, disassembly or classification of rail cars, or operation of trains, and is subject to the conditions in §218.22. Shall perform service as a member of only one train or yard crew at any given time.
Service with more than one crew may be sequential, but not concurrent.

Utility Employees are subject to:

• Hours of service law.
• Hours of service recordkeeping (Part 228).
• Program of instruction (§217.11).
• Efficiency testing (§217.9).
• Alcohol and drug testing (Part 219).

One or more railroad employees:

• Assigned a controlling locomotive (under charge & control of one crewmember).
• Called to perform covered service (T&E).
• Involved with train or yard movement they are to work with (operating crew).
• Reporting & working together as a unit.