| Freight hopping can be both incredibly liberating and | | | | make friends with the yard workers to find out when |
| immensely dangerous if you don’t take precautions. | | | | trains will be coming or you can just sit and wait for |
| People train hop for various reasons and you’re | | | | train horn sounds. When you find a train that you |
| certain to meet some interesting people on your | | | | would like to jump aboard, be very cautious when |
| journeys, but as a seasoned freight hopper myself, I | | | | getting on. Ideally, you should always try to get onto |
| can tell you that there are a few things that every | | | | the train before it has begun moving to reduce your |
| novice jumper should be aware of before embarking | | | | risk of bodily harm. Never try to get on a moving train |
| on his or her first experience. Follow my tips and | | | | unless it is moving extremely slow and you are certain |
| you’ll have a fascinating and safe trip. | | | | that you can get on safely. |
| Tip 1: Make sure you are wearing the appropriate | | | | Tip 4: When picking a train, try to know the schedule |
| apparel. You should wear dark clothing appropriate for | | | | beforehand and try to choose a train that is making a |
| the season. You will need a lightweight jacket, sturdy | | | | non-stop trip. That way you are less likely to be caught |
| boots and durable gloves. In most cases you will have | | | | by security on the way to your final destination. |
| to do a lot of walking so you’ll want be prepared | | | | Tip 5: The safest and easiest place to hide on a train is |
| and as comfortable as possible. Also make sure that | | | | in open boxcars. You can quickly slide in without being |
| your backpack is dark in color as well. You will want to | | | | seen in most cases. Make sure to avoid boxcars that |
| avoid train security, also known as “bulls” at all | | | | are marked as “Bad Order” because they are in |
| costs and blending in with your surroundings is the best | | | | need of repair and may be dangerous for you to hide |
| way to do it. | | | | in. |
| Tip 2: Make sure you’ve got all the right supplies. | | | | Tip 6: The most dangerous part of train hopping is |
| Pack light, but always bring a dark sleeping bag or | | | | usually getting off the train. If you need to jump from a |
| blanket, non-perishable food and plenty of water. You | | | | moving train, you should try to hit the ground running. |
| should also bring some sunscreen to protect your face | | | | The only way to do this is to wait for the train to slow |
| during sunny weather. Also don’t forget to bring a | | | | down significantly, to a speed that you can match on |
| map and a railroad atlas. | | | | the ground running. Never jump off of a high speed |
| Tip 3: Head to a local freight yard. You may need to | | | | train because you will likely injure yourself. |