What action should a conductor take if a freight car has two bad order tags?

The correct approach when dealing with a freight car that has two bad order tags is to remove one bad order tag from the side with both tags. This action acknowledges that there is a recognized issue with the car, as indicated by the presence of bad order tags. It also allows the maintenance personnel to focus on addressing the problem more effectively, as the removal of one tag signals that the situation is being assessed, yet the car still may have underlying issues that need attention.

By removing one of the tags, it does not imply that the car is fit for service or that all problems have been rectified; rather, it keeps a record of the situation and prepares the crew for ongoing safety considerations while potentially maintaining communication about the state of the car. This practice ensures proper documentation and helps maintain safety standards, as it indicates to those inspecting or potentially moving the car that further action may still be required. It aligns with industry practices of addressing equipment issues while keeping safety as a high priority.