Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(US tramp) one who steals (esp. boxes of chickens) from freight trains or box cars.

1931		Irwin Amer. Tramp and Und. Sl. 68: Duster. – A box car or freight car thief; a chicken thief.
1960, 1975		Wentworth & Flexner DAS 167/2: duster A chicken thief. Obs.
1962		Ragen & Finston World’s Toughest Prison 798: duster – A box car or freight car thief; a chicken thief.