What is essential to verify before shoving a cut of cars?

The most essential verification before shoving a cut of cars is ensuring that the trailing car is properly coupled. Proper coupling is critical for the safety and effectiveness of the movement. If the trailing car is not properly coupled, it can lead to separation during the push, risking accidents, damage to the cars, or injury to crew members. Coupling ensures that the cars move as a single unit, which is vital for operational control and stability during the shoving process.

While ensuring the other factors, like engine functionality, route clearance, and crew readiness, are also important for overall safety, the immediate priority when preparing to shove is the integrity and security of the connection between the cars. If coupling is not confirmed, no amount of equipment readiness or situational awareness will prevent the risks associated with an improperly secured load.