[Seabrook]

Most freight Train Drivers will work out and back in a shift. The maximum driving time is 5 hours before a 40 minute break with a maximum of 10 hours diving in a shift. Breaks are booked in places where washroom and tea making facilities are provided usually agreed company messrooms. These have to be away from the engine environment. If required a Driver will travel passenger during a turn if working one way only. Where economic there are turns where you might work away from home and then be booked in hotel accommodation before a return working. These are called lodge turns. Each freight company have their own agreed criteria for Lodge Turns and number of nights away from home.
As for routes Freight Train Drivers today have far greater route knowledge then most passenger Drivers. At one time I signed London to York, Leeds, Swindon, Crewe, Southampton, North Kent, Ipswich. some of these places by more than one way.