Because of the 4% grade on the west side of Cumbres Pass, most eastbound freight trains performed what was known as the Cumbres turn. After arriving at Chama, a train would be broken up and hauled in sections up to Cumbres where it was then reassembled before continuing its journey. On other portions of the route, freights were operated either by double heading or with a helper engine (US) or bank engine (Brit).