Spotting loads of bentonite clay on the ore dock in the Port of Stockton (CA), part of the cut would still be on the grade approaching the dock. When the cars were spotted, the engineer would put the cut into emergency and a switchman would place skates at the wheels of the car closest to the engine. The engineer would then release the brakes (except for the engine) and the slack would run in, causing the leading wheels of the car to roll up onto the skates. Handbrakes would then be applied before uncoupling the engine.