Patent ID: 8914168

Claim:
A method comprising: processing, by a processor, train consist data and route data for a train consist by applying a plurality of rules using the train consist data and the route data, wherein the train consist comprises a locomotive consist, the locomotive consist comprising a lead locomotive and a rearmost locomotive, wherein the rules comprise a territory rule that is configured to prevent a shut down recommendation of the rearmost locomotive in a predefined territory as determined from the route data, wherein the processing step further includes applying the territory rule by: determining territory data for a route segment based on the route data; determining whether the territory data corresponds to the predefined territory, the predefined territory being indicative of a particular territory where safety braking considerations apply; and in response to a positive determination that the territory data corresponds to the predefined territory, preventing the rearmost locomotive from being recommended for a shut down; and in response to the processing, automatically generating, by the processor, a recommendation that is indicative of how many and which locomotives of the train consist should be powered on or shut down for the route segment.