In railway terms, what does "deadheading" refer to?

"Deadheading" in railway terms is defined as traveling without the intention of carrying freight or passengers, often on a return trip to a home station. This process can occur when a train crew or operating personnel must reposition themselves or the train back to a location where they can begin their next scheduled service. This movement is essential for maintaining the logistics and efficiency of rail operations, ensuring that trains and crews are where they need to be for upcoming journeys.

The other definitions do not accurately encapsulate the essence of deadheading. For instance, while transporting empty train cars or maintaining infrastructure may involve aspects of operational efficiency, they are not specifically characterized by the absence of carrying freight or passengers during a journey. Deadheading focuses primarily on the repositioning aspect of railway operations without the purpose of active service on that trip.