In focus: What does a shunter actually do at DB Cargo?

The invisible heroes of freight transport: shunter like Sebastian Pöther make sure that freight cars get to their destination safely and efficiently - or get on the track at all. But what does a working day in this demanding profession look like?

With safety and precision in use

Sebastian Pöther starts his day at the Wanne-Eickel classification yard by looking at the shunting lists. "Our valley foreman gives us the orders via shunting slips and radio: Which wagons have to go on which track, who is responsible for which tracks and what special features we need to be aware of," he explains. Equipped with the important information, the team gets to work in the "valley", as the area below the hump is called, to sort freight cars precisely for the rest of the journey.

One of its most important tasks is the switchman. Special brake block holders are used to bring the freight cars, some of which weigh 100 tons, safely to a halt as they roll off the hump. "You need experience to know exactly when and where to apply the brake shoe," explains Pöther. The shoe can also be positioned or removed under wagons that are difficult to access using the so-called brake shoe laying rod - an indispensable tool in everyday work.

Profile: Sebastian Pöther  

Sebastian Pöther

How I came to DB Cargo:
Before I started at DB Cargo, I had already gained various professional experiences. When the opportunity arose to join DB Cargo, I briefly thought about it due to a few aspects such as rotating shifts, but I have never regretted this decision. I've now been here for over twelve years and would choose it again at any time

That's what I enjoy most about my job:
The mixture of precision and physical work! You're outside a lot, in all weathers, always on the move. I particularly like the feeling of being part of a big picture: When a train leaves on time, we know that we've done everything right

My hobbies and interests are:

I'm also often outdoors in my free time - whether it's playing soccer, watching FC Schalke 04 or having a barbecue with my family. But my family always comes first.

Defying wind and weather

The job is physically demanding and, apart from meetings, training sessions or passing on information at the start of a shift, takes place outdoors - whatever the weather. "You need a good immune system and should be resilient," says Pöther. Especially on the night shift, when fatigue sets in, it's important to stay focused: "That's when the fresh air helps, or you can exercise to stay awake." In addition to physical fitness, teamwork is also important: "You shouldn't take everything too seriously and be able to take a joke from time to time," smiles Pöther. In addition, you are not only responsible for yourself, but also for your colleagues on the track - mistakes here can have major consequences.

Sebastian Pöther lays down the gauntlet ...

... and controls the braking of the train

Safety has colonel priority

The workplace in the classification yard involves risks, which is why safety regulations are strictly adhered to. "You always have to be alert. We only cross tracks when we can see that nothing is coming - hearing alone is not enough, as wagons are often very quiet and are drowned out by the locomotives," explains Pöther. Protective clothing such as PPE (personal protective equipment) and reflective vests are standard, and switchmen also have to be aware of weather conditions: "If it rains, the tracks are wet and slippery, so you have to be careful, because hitting the rails is really painful."

Pöther loves his job and can recommend it almost unreservedly - as long as you are prepared to tackle the work, accept the shift work positively and are reliable: "You have to be prepared to work physically, even on Sundays and at night. You also need to be fundamentally reliable, because we feel the effects of staff absences directly. If you then decide to do the job, you have a good employer.

"Nothing works without us"

For Pöther, one thing is certain: "Without switchmen, freight transport would come to a standstill." The job is a mixture of precision, teamwork and responsibility - and that's what makes it so special.