FRA Track Inspections Generate
40 Data Points Per Mile
The Challenge
Gauge measurements recorded but not geolocated
Track gauge is measured every 39 feet on mainline. Paper forms record the measurement but not the precise GPS location. When FRA asks about a specific location, finding the right form is guesswork.
Defect discovery to repair tracking is verbal
Inspector finds a defect, calls it in by radio, and writes it on a form. The repair crew gets a verbal description. Nobody can verify the defect was repaired at the exact location it was found.
Inspection frequency compliance is manual
FRA requires specific inspection frequencies based on track class and traffic. Tracking which segments are due for inspection and which are overdue lives on a wall calendar.
Historical track condition trends invisible
Paper inspection forms filed chronologically cannot show whether a specific curve has been degrading over 6 months. Trend analysis requires someone to manually pull and compare dozens of forms.
The POD Advantage
Voice-logged track measurements
Speak gauge readings, cross-level measurements, and surface conditions as you walk the track. POD GPS-tags every reading to the exact location on the corridor.
Defect location tracking
Every defect pinned to GPS coordinates with severity classification, photo documentation, and repair deadline. Track the defect from discovery through verified repair.
Inspection schedule management
POD tracks inspection frequency requirements by track class and segment. Alerts trigger when segments approach due dates so inspections never fall behind.
Condition trend analysis
Track condition data over time by location. See which curves, switches, and segments are degrading and prioritize maintenance before FRA finds the problems first.
Track Inspection Intelligence
“FRA walked our corridor and found 12 track defects we had not documented. Our inspector had measured them but the paper forms were still in his truck. $180,000 in fines for documentation lag.”
— Track Superintendent, Class II Railroad Contractor
Industry-Specific KPIs That Update Themselves
POD tracks hundreds of KPIs from a 5-minute voice report. Here are just 2 of them.
Safety Performance
Earned Value Performance
Both cost and schedule under pressure
These update in real time from a 5-minute voice report. No spreadsheets. No data entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stay Ahead of FRA Inspections
See how POD turns track inspection data into FRA-ready documentation with GPS precision.