What is the current use for a caboose?

[dehusman]

They are used where the train has to make a long shoving move for the crew to be able to protect the shove.

Dave H.

[dwil89]

I know some lines still use Cabooses on secondaries and industrial trackage, where back up moves are required, so locomotives don't have to be placed on both ends..The crew on the Caboose can protect the rear of the train and alert the engineer of any problems...

[081552]

Last Saturday night I saw a U.P. freight train go by in Baldwin Park, CA on the Metrolink track with three freight cars and a beat-up U.P. caboose on the end. What's the caboose used for?