BNSF Dispatcher Trainee Practice Exam

The preferred way to communicate "407-15" is by using the phonetic clarification that captures each individual digit and the dash. This ensures that there is no confusion when the numbers are transmitted, especially in contexts where miscommunication can lead to operational errors.

Repeating the individual digits ("4, 0, 7") followed by "dash" clearly indicates the separation between the two parts of the number. Following that with "15" makes it unequivocal that "15" is a separate component of the number set. This method reduces the likelihood of misunderstanding among listeners, who may interpret the information differently if the numbers are pronounced too quickly or in a less specific manner.

Using just "Four-oh-seven, one-five" could lead to ambiguity, as it doesn’t indicate that the "407" is a single entity or clarify the connection to "15." Similarly, "407 fifteen" or simply saying "407-15 in plain numbers" lacks the clarity provided by indicating the separation with "dash," which could also lead to confusion, particularly in noisy environments or over radio transmissions.