I worked freight for 13 years, and I’ve worked passenger now for six. One thing that is really shocking to me is the number of old heads that have passed away recently not long after their retirements. The railroad is really really hard on our bodies, and it really takes its toll the older we get. Take care of yourselves guys!
I know it is a different world now - some things are better, some are far worse. My grandfather hired on the B&O in May 1943 at the age of 27. His diligence on the railroad earned him seven draft deferments beginning in the latter part of 1943 through the end of hostilities. He wanted engine service (who didn't) but ended up in train service and was promoted to conductor in 1950. He was high enough on the seniority roster that he was never once furloughed in 32 years, and he always had a job in his home terminal. He pointed out that sometimes during mine strikes he got stuck on some pretty crappy jobs, but he always had work. He retired in November 1975 two months before turning 61. He lived almost 24 more years, passing in August 1999. He was always glad he retired before "the railroad went to Hell" as he put it. He liked his work except for the crazy hours and told me that, while there were some guys he loved to work with, he could work with anyone he had to. That nugget of wisdom has stayed with me. He lived comfortably on his pension and even put money away, something that continues to bless our family to this day. Oh yes, he also said more than once that "there was no such thing as a fat brakeman". He was fortunate that in his day the management was all local, the crew callers were "down behind the roundhouse", and many of the dispatchers were former operators he knew.
I have been with UP for a year now and i honestly say i like my job. I couldn't see myself working any 9-5 now. there is some drawbacks as with every job but, it just depends on what you're willing to compromise on. I work in the yard so i come home every day don't have enough seniority to hold the road. You never know until you give it a shot. Love the content bro you really show people outside of the railroad what we go through and give them insite as to how working there will be.
Gee, at CSX the yard jobs were the plums. You needed 10-15 years seniority to hold even the less desirable ones 'cause you were home every night and with some you could even get weekends off. They were especially desired when the Helper jobs went away. Some "old heads" liked the road due to the money,. Most of us got onto the Extra Board for our first few years, at least. We also had to upgrade to Engineer within 1-2 years, when called, or you were out.
@@BriayanRivera I would hold off on buying anything until you complete class and then get at least your first week of ojt under your belt. there's no set gear I'd suggest everyone get. Just what I use. I have videos over those things to help either give people ideas
Congratulations on your 5 years!! I retired in 2014 after a 41 year career as a freight and passenger conductor, starting with Penn Central when I was 19 years old. All you said is true about how things are managed. This happened over time from political involvement and instituting a corporate mentality. When I started, the railroad was very regimented like the military. Most of management came from the ground up being former conductors and engineers. Also, there were managers who actually served in railroad battalions during WW2. The railroad ran very efficiently and most of the people really enjoyed coming to work. The term that it gets into your blood was 100% true. Now, when the government became heavily involved with mergers and such, it started going downhill, along with the morale of the workers. Then, as the corporate mentality took over, it got even worse because a ton of college graduates whose goals were where things could be cut, to drive up profits. These bean counters had no idea about the intricate workings of the rails and how things mesh together. That is when a lot of horrendous decisions were made especially cutting corners and eliminating many important parts of the puzzle. Some areas were preventive maintenance on equipment, tracks, and other major components. Also, how crews were treated, proper rest, etc. I just hope that things might be improving now and as time continues on with more experienced people in key management positions that are actually railroaders and can make sensible decisions. Congratulations again and the best of luck in the future, especially if you decide to make it your life career. It is a job like no other, but on the other hand can be a very rough and thankless job that is invisible to most people.
Just completed my 9th year at UP here in Southern California. I might be stretching it when I say I love my job. I do enjoy it a lot. From Van Nuys to Anaheim, Long Beach to Colton,I've seen a lot. That being said,I am extra board. Currently Anaheim. Being a road conductor can be rough,especially with the family. The extra boards I've been on stay local. I do have the option of hopping on to a board that makes a little bit more money, but that would entail my going out of town. I dont mind that so much, but I need to be home every day right now. Like the guy talking said, the guys I work with are a big reason I enjoy my job. The variety of the extra boards also. There is so much to learn that sometimes it can get stressful. The things I've seen on the rails here in Los Angeles,Orange County and the Inland Empire would make your stomach turn. But the reward of knowing youre doing a good job and keeping your coworkers safe is a good feeling. I can go on and on. The pay is good,my insurance is good,and its afforded me the ability to buy a house on my own. Good hearing from other cons from other railroads. We all deal with the same shit. I have pals at BNSF,NS, and a few at the old MRL. I ould never discourage someone from trying to get hired. Give it a try. If you don't like it,move on. You're never stuck anywhere. Anyhow, Happy new year and have a good day.
Quick question I just got hired with up is it possible to earn 100k out of training or is it more of a wait period to get your 5% raise to make that money thanks in advance
Congratulations on your 5 years, I'm waiting to start with BNSF soon and am excited and concerned. The money and benefits is a huge draw and I'm really glad to hear from someone who's been in it as long as you. Keep posting bud.
Being a trucker for 32 years and owner operator, Ibjust want to thank all the truckers, RR Engineers and Commercial pilots for making America and commerce work. I wrote a popular sing about it. But thank you despite all the fatigue and being away from families. I think Warren Buffet and UP management would do well to ride along with engineers and rub shoulders with the logistics crew. I really appreciate your attitude and showing us the mystery of the ghostly engineer behind the tinted glass. Those old road power with no ac and manual controls must have been a challenge. Please speak to us about hitting people in cars and the toll it takes on engineers. God bless you, sir.
I remember after my first 5 years on FNBS. Made it another 7 months before I left. Now with Amtrak now. We are still 200 miles out so kick your feet up.
Hello. New to the channel, fellow railroader. I enjoyed the video and agree with all of your points. I am curious, though, what you mean by "hi-vis" is it a BNSF thing? Thank you and stay safe.
Wow! Quite the vlogging setup you have! I trained as a conductor for CSX in 1998 in Pennsylvania/Maryland territory. I had to leave just before starting engineer school to tend to my ailing mother. I was able to rehire a few times as a trainee again, then got laid off, Then back as a Yardmaster twice & laid off, then for a few years as a Control Operator. They cut out ALL those jobs in 2008 (Christmas Eve day), so I accepted the furlough and got a better job in Broadcasting in California. I just received the first two of three retirement gifts from CSX! I experienced a lot of the same problems you saw. In the US, the railroads were started by Army generals, and it shows. Being a Navy guy (better leadership, at least back then) the top-down, never-listening bosses really bothered me. I don't tolerate bullies, either, which caused more tension. I liked the job itself, but it was run stupidly. A truck driver has better hours! I'm curious, though, why you haven't been promoted to Engineer. At CSX, you HAD to upgrade within about two years or you were out. Career Conductors were a thing of the past, like the Firemen and cabooses. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Great to hear someone who has experience working for the railway, I am currently in the process of joining the team, and have already heard positive things about working for this company, thank you for your input.
Oh man. This resonates with me. I’ve been with a certain Class 1 for 13 years now and it’s the same across the board man. Lifestyle sucks, but great money and benefits. If someone can tolerate bullshit, it’s a great career for them.
i hired on with the railroad in 1993... as far as laying off goes, back then we adhered to the rail industry standard of... (Trainmen will be allowed to lay off, account sickness of themselves, or their family members, to serve on committees, or for other good and sufficient reasons, provided due notice is given to the proper officer)... that is a DIRECT QUOTE (Rule 98, Permission To Lay Off) from an old agreement book, between the chicago and northwestern and the then, order of railway conductors and brakemen dated dec 1, 1946... and i guarantee if you were to find any other old agreement book it'd have the same words... northern pacific, nickel plate road, CB&Q, southern etc, same words... i mention all that to say that the judge that claimed this issue was a minor dispute didn't take into account the fact that there was DECADES of precedence for laying off that should have precluded the carriers from making any changes to that rule without first going to the CBA table... that new attendance policy altered the working conditions which made that issue a MAJOR DISPUTE... a section 6 notice definitely should have been initiated... that anti-worker judge screwed the workers over... it was all about politics and to hell with worker/public safety
so im currently a Load Master for a major cargo airline. Gone away from home for atleast 20 days a month, out flying around the world. Would a freight conductor, to you guys seem like a better QOL? I get yall are on call but I just wanted to put my schedule into your mind and see what you think....
this channel is great, I'm applying currently to BNSF and i have never been in the industry before. I left restaurant management hopefully for good, I am looking for a career i can enjoy and have good pay. I'm just starting my research but this helps so much along with the assessment video too. Thank you!
Congrats on your 5 year anniversary!! I just hit my 2 year anniversary on August 30th. I work a class III switching railroad that deals with a lot of heavy tonnage with power that was used back in the 70's. We recently just got a raise as well, with 4% each year up until 2024. The money is great, a lot of great people at my place, and great benefits. Some of the things you've mentioned are the same with my place. The management seems to be all over the place. Too many hands in the pot making poor decisions that they think are great ideas. It does suck at times but I don't regret my decision for joining the railroad. It's been something I've wanted to do since I was a kid and I'm having the best time that I can with it. Even if things don't go well, I still enjoy what I do.
I think the biggest issue with the railroad is it's not owned or run by legit railroaders anymore because the Blackrocks of the world have muscled their way in and made it similar to boot camp where you as the employee are put into a microscope and have zero privacy in your work environment. I think it's going to take you the employee to get some courage by standing up to these big conglomerates who have ruined the business by forcing them to understand without you, American commerce as we know it doesn't move without one of the strongest links to how someone like me gets his goods
While watching this video, I couldn’t help but think of the song “Flyover States” by Jason Aldean “Roads and rails under their feet, yeah it sounds like a first class seat” Thank you for all the great content and please keep it coming!
Been burying cable for 11 years, have always considered becoming a Conductor. Going to apply next time BNSF is hiring again in my area. Single, no kids and 33. Burying cable is nice but the works been very inconsistent this past few years, and overhead costs and expenses per month are a little over 1k not including equipment and vehicle repairs. Need something a little more stable and love being outside. Furloughs suck but I can manage sidework for my buddies company when that happens.
@@dixon2063 33 is a good age to hire out on the railroad. I hired out a 31, so I can retire at 61, you will be able to retire at 63. Hiring out in your 30s means you got to hopefully enjoy your 20s, and had a few crappy non union jobs under your belt so you can appreciate the railroad more. The railroad is a lifestyle, and it definitely has its pitfalls. But it really gets in your blood.
Well said Jon. Yeah the bureaucracy creates those micro managing and unbalanced issues. Everyone tries to justify their existence by doing or saying things that are probably not required. A bureaucracy feeds on itself unfortunately. That aside, I was happy to hear that people relations were a positive plus in the railway. Being well compensated helps too. Hopefully, the railway will evolve to be a better place eventually. Let us hope..
Been stuck on this question for a bit. I know both the engineer and conductor can use the horn from their desks, but who uses it more than the other for grade crossings?
Listen to the other guy, it's not worth it. I know it seems like a lot of money but it is not worth it regardless what department you work or the position. It is absolute misery more often than not.
@drunkdonutboy There are people that are railroaders, and there are people that aren't. If it's in your blood, go for it! If it's just another job for you, you're gonna be miserable for sure.
Not a railroader, and am now retired. I did have bosses who were micromanagers. There was one whom I finally stood up to and after that he left me alone. In fact some people said I ended up telling him what to do. Then another one, I just proved to him, that he had no clue as to what I did and how I did it. So, leave me alone! Now our attendance policy was basically the first few years you are there, they want your warm body there, every day. Then after year five or six, it was "you have all this leave time accumulated, get the hell out of here." They would even find reasons for you to go even if you didn't want to. You knew where the skeletons in the closets were, and yeah I might have put one or two of them there. So, again kind of make yourself a little more scarce. My poor dad worked for defense contractors as an electronics tech. Those guys always knew a layoff was just around the corner. The last one he worked there for 25 years and was never laid off, but he always knew it was just around the corner. I met some of his coworkers, and they always lived with the same feeling. It takes its toll on those people. It turned out why they kept him on so long was the company had the contract to maintain and re-certify equipment used by the FAA in air traffic control. Some of which dated back to WWII. The young guys coming out of tech school didn't weren't trained to work on that. So, the company had to keep the old guy around. He started having trouble getting parts for some of it. Nobody made them anymore. FAA's policy was OEM parts only, uh oh catch 22. Finally, the company was reducing force again, and he went for the golden parachute. He chose inverse seniority, and said keep the new guys and lay me off. He got the severance package, kept his great health care plan, then collected unemployment and drifted into retirement and started collecting his pension. I stayed with mine for over 40 years, my pension check is bigger than my paycheck. Plus I was able to convert unused leave time into cash, and put it in our tax-deferred plan to grow until I need it.
Great video and fair perspective. Finishing up week 5,6,7 in KC and back to LaCrosse for OJT. Tons to learn, but have no regrets and have enjoyed the work and folks. Taking it all a day at a time, thanks!
I was with UP and CP. Got out seven years ago. Best decision of my life. the railroads are unbelievably brutal. The money and benefits were OK. But the lifestyle and being on call completely defeated those benefits. Everyone I worked with pretty much hated their life and we’re looking for someway out. However, I was lucky because I had a back up in aviation. Most aren’t so fortunate. If you’re considering the railroad, I would highly discourage it.
@@geddon436 And that's the reality that a lot of people don't get. I love trains, love train crews, love to railfan and model (but not stinky BNSF, I'm a Santa Fe guy all the way ;) ) The lifestyle is just that, a lifestyle. Lots of time on the road, not a lot home. For single guys and gals, it can be great, but it's rough on family life. I drove big rigs for a spell and realized that it just wasn't for me. Driving trucks was pretty neat, but the schedule was all over the place, and the pay wasn't great. All that said, depending on your skills, you could certainly get a job for the RR that doesn't involve driving or conducting trains. Lots of administrative work goes behind getting those trains built and moving on time, and the engines don't just run for ever. They need maintenance like any other equipment.
@@JF-lt5zc Hey. Thank your responding, I appreciate the information. I briefly looked at corporate/admin roles, to be eligible, I would need to return to college to complete my degree
When I was hired by the FEC they told me the divorce rate was very high & you’ll have no life for a few years. Well I lasted for 3 years & called it quits. It seems management were looking for ways to fire you. Not for me.
Appreciate it.. I've been thinking and I desperately need a job with me only having my hs diploma. Haven't been liking the reviews I passed the assessment for UP thinking about withdrawing now
Thanks for this, Jon. I have considered a RR career all my life, but always shied away from it. Now I'm in my early 60s -- I recently retired from my career behind the desk and would love to get out into the world. I have my health and I think I could do this. Thanks for a well-balanced assessment of the job, this is very valuable to me as I consider what to do from here.
Just need to do my physical n drug test next week n start the academy in Kansas n 26 hopefully they said at the interview the conductor trainee make 5800 plus every two weeks is that true or what would u say currently
I'm a family man, We have good support and the kids are a tad older (8, 13 and 15). I worked as a shipping manager for 15 years and am just looking for the next solid, reliable work and money flow. I plan to grow and thrive as much as possible, we are healthy people. My hobby is health/weight lifting and my wife a nutritionist/therapist . I understand there will be a grind and years of it but i dont want to be hurting my family and cut years off my life , I work towards the opposite daily. Do you think there's a way to balance for health if you are very committed? I want devote my skills and who i am to this and make it something great. I never give up and love a challenge, love to learn and enjoy the small things.
I work for a small railroad company on bnsf property. I'm an engineer 2 days a week and conductor the other 4. I wouldn't recommend this if you want a work life balance. I bet you could do the work no doubt but it is a soul sucking job.
How likely do you see the pros as you said stay pros for yourself and do you see the cons that you stated getting better or worse as you stay in the railroad?
Sadly if the superpools become standard, extraboards will, more less, disappear. Employees will be on call for no pay and only make money when called in. I was with BNSF for 15yrs, as an engineer, and left in 2022 do to HiViz. Went to the IBEW and pay nothing in healthcare and make good money. Trip rate in Vancouver was $988 round trip w/out meals. 12hrs up, 16hrs hotel, 12 home is 40hrs. That was $24hr straight time. Now I’ve heard it’s more but still only in the $30’s hr. IBEW in PDX is $60.50hr. For the life style it pays way too little. I wanted to RR from 7yrs old and did it. But at 35 called it. Hopefully the RR’s will change but in my 15yrs with BN it only went downhill. Best of luck to all the BNSF employees and you. Miss the work and people but not the company.
Hey John how are you doing man congrats on 5 years with bnsf railway buddy speaking hire out I am think about it but my girlfriend wants say home mostly can do video on union pacific we cut are local trains down two people in the cab
I started with BNSF less than a year ago. Just as I finished conductor training, was forced into the Engineer program. About half way through OJT now. Nervous!
I really need some honest help here. I have two really amazing job offers. 1) BNSF Train Conductor starting at $28/hr bumps up to $32 after finishing training 2) Boeing Aircraft Assembly Mechanic starting around $21/hr. 10% matching 401k, top tier healthcare and benefits, 100% paid tuition to continue education, bla bla. I don’t know what’s better and what to do. I am a young woman and want to get my life started with a good job. Give me your honest opinion because I really need it. I can start at either job any day!!
I’m in a similar situation, I’m leaning towards the Railroad. Mostly just to get more training and experience with electical systems and travel. I’ll probably do that for around 3-4 years just to stack money and have my business situated then I’ll dip into aviation. I’ve spent the first 6 years of my adulthood in school. I’m 23 so I can sacrifice some time to work. I have a degree in electrical systems, and soon to be IT and Cybersecurity. If you’re younger than me i’d say go with boeing, but use the job for schooling and don’t take your time for granted. If you’re my age I would go where the money is better that’s ultimately what the schooling is for.
@@Nevastopcashin I just turned 20. Don’t have a degree in anything but I have q few college credits and I’m close to my associates. I just know one thing. I wanna make good money, retire in my 50s, and be able to have a good job without destroying my body.
@@KateOnYT2023 You’re at a perfect spot right now. I would finish my associates and probably go to boeing to further your education. But you can go wrong with either choice to be honest. I’d recommend getting your education out the way if you’re disciplined, but if you’re business oriented and know what to do with money I would finish my associate’s and hit the rails
What’s up love the content! Thanks for the vids and knowledge. I’ve contemplated getting in as a conductor for a while now. I’m a CDL A Tanker driver. Just had surgery so I’m recovering then on to my next job. I hesitate because I’m 50 years old now. Still in good shape and work out but no kids never married. I do like riding my Harley though lol. Sucks if I were in my 20’s or 30’s. How many years until full retirement? 30? Pretty much the Pension would be my main reason.
If we’re talking about working for the railroad the reason I applied because my family worked for it for years now and my grandpa died in 2006 for cancer from cutting those rails he was track maintence and my dad was a engineer so and so but anyway it’s worth working for if u have no life
Been with bnsf for 5 years and furloughed twice in that time. Moral is seriously down and management is atrociously bad. If your starting a career in railroading i definitely wouldn't make any big purchases for 5 or more years.
Hey brother imma fan i love the way u describe from a real workers perspective i have an interview soon. But i applied for a location a bit to far from my house. 80 miles to be exact. There is a location 15 miles from me tho. If i continue on to the interview can i request a transfer? Its for union pacific btw
BEFORE you except that position that's 80 miles away, you'd better check and see if the closer location and the 80 mile away location are in the SAME seniority district... or ask if there is SYSTEM WIDE SENIORITY in that area... if they are in different seniority districts, hopping the fence may be very difficult... also, typically if an employee voluntarily transfers, SOME local agreements may consider that person as a new employee and he loses any seniority he may have built up on his old district/division... but in your case being a new guy that wouldn't affect you
Hey man , I’m a huge fan of the railroad. Ever since I was a kid , I applied for the bsnf conductor on august 23th. I really hope I get an interview. I’m only 21 with no kids and hopefully they give me a chance.
The last contract was just about as bad as the 3 before it, in real terms I am making less money than I was 20 years ago. Also the medical is so much worse than it was when I hired out, I payed nothing out of pocket each month and no yearly deductible. The thing with the checks not bouncing, talk to some of the old heads that came of the Rock Island. When they shut down they had guys at the other end of the road who had to call up family and friends to come pick them up from the AFHT. Hell I don't think there is a railroad that is run by an actual railroader, the people at the top have never ran a train.
Hello I’m trying get on at Evansville western railway as a train conductor I had my second interview and they told me they went a different way but yet they said I was a strong candidate for the conductor position but yet they post on Facebook they are still hiring it would be a awesome opportunity for my family financially if they would give me the opportunity they are only an hour from my home the pay and benefits is awesome I just wish they would give me the opportunity I wouldn’t have to go to Georgia for training they do training in house I guess my question is what should i do I really don’t want to go to csx just because they require me to go to Georgia
I know a lot of people are saying that, but I don't think it will limit it that much if at any. Every place that I've chased to that has had a rest cycle i've made the same or more than not having a rest cycle. Going to depend on the terminal.
It gets better, but it takes WAY too long. 25 years to get 5 weeks vacation. What do we have now. 11 PLs and 2paidd sick and 1 birthday off now, that's it. Everything else is 8 points on UP!
Jon if the new people (I'm guessing Gen. Z'ers) want something to complain about work on the Track Department. Thats where they'll find out what its like to be treated like a peace of DOG SHIT ❗❗❗
I wouldn't even know where to start on giving you an accurate number. I will say that in the past 2 or 3 years I seem to be seeing more and more women going through new hire training than when I first hired out almost 6 years ago. It seems that in most new hire classes there are at least several women in each. The number is definitely going up I think
As far as furlough goes John I think we are gonna be alright. A little over 5 years I feel somewhat more comfortable. Just gotta see what happens this election coming elections.
Part of me wants to buy that same bit, but I got caught in that last big furlough and i watched guys with 12 years get cut. Plus they are working on the article 5,6, & 7 and that could possibly change things in a big way. Too much uncertainty right now for me to get a feel on which way it's going to go.
I am recent graduated student of railway Conductor course from Canada. I am interested in applying for train conductor position in the USA so what kind of documentation do I need to work in US railroads as a Canadian citizen. I really love trains and I am willing to relocate anywhere at my own expense. I would really appreciate it if you can let me know this process. I recently got a coditional offer from BNSF and completed the medical drug test.
I worked freight for 13 years, and I’ve worked passenger now for six. One thing that is really shocking to me is the number of old heads that have passed away recently not long after their retirements. The railroad is really really hard on our bodies, and it really takes its toll the older we get. Take care of yourselves guys!
I know it is a different world now - some things are better, some are far worse. My grandfather hired on the B&O in May 1943 at the age of 27. His diligence on the railroad earned him seven draft deferments beginning in the latter part of 1943 through the end of hostilities. He wanted engine service (who didn't) but ended up in train service and was promoted to conductor in 1950. He was high enough on the seniority roster that he was never once furloughed in 32 years, and he always had a job in his home terminal. He pointed out that sometimes during mine strikes he got stuck on some pretty crappy jobs, but he always had work. He retired in November 1975 two months before turning 61. He lived almost 24 more years, passing in August 1999. He was always glad he retired before "the railroad went to Hell" as he put it. He liked his work except for the crazy hours and told me that, while there were some guys he loved to work with, he could work with anyone he had to. That nugget of wisdom has stayed with me. He lived comfortably on his pension and even put money away, something that continues to bless our family to this day. Oh yes, he also said more than once that "there was no such thing as a fat brakeman". He was fortunate that in his day the management was all local, the crew callers were "down behind the roundhouse", and many of the dispatchers were former operators he knew.
I have been with UP for a year now and i honestly say i like my job. I couldn't see myself working any 9-5 now. there is some drawbacks as with every job but, it just depends on what you're willing to compromise on. I work in the yard so i come home every day don't have enough seniority to hold the road. You never know until you give it a shot. Love the content bro you really show people outside of the railroad what we go through and give them insite as to how working there will be.
Gee, at CSX the yard jobs were the plums. You needed 10-15 years seniority to hold even the less desirable ones 'cause you were home every night and with some you could even get weekends off. They were especially desired when the Helper jobs went away. Some "old heads" liked the road due to the money,.
Most of us got onto the Extra Board for our first few years, at least. We also had to upgrade to Engineer within 1-2 years, when called, or you were out.
Any helpful tips on the testing process for UP. How hard is the signal test?
Going on 16 years, conductor/engineer. Hired on at 19. Planning on checking out at 55
I was medically cleared by CHS last week so waiting for BNSF to follow up. Thanks for your help and congrats on the 5 years!
Awesome! Thank you!
@@BriayanRivera I would hold off on buying anything until you complete class and then get at least your first week of ojt under your belt. there's no set gear I'd suggest everyone get. Just what I use. I have videos over those things to help either give people ideas
Congratulations on your 5 years!!
I retired in 2014 after a 41 year career as a freight and passenger conductor, starting with Penn Central when I was 19 years old.
All you said is true about how things are managed. This happened over time from political involvement and instituting a corporate mentality. When I started, the railroad was very regimented like the military. Most of management came from the ground up being former conductors and engineers. Also, there were managers who actually served in railroad battalions during WW2. The railroad ran very efficiently and most of the people really enjoyed coming to work. The term that it gets into your blood was 100% true.
Now, when the government became heavily involved with mergers and such, it started going downhill, along with the morale of the workers. Then, as the corporate mentality took over, it got even worse because a ton of college graduates whose goals were where things could be cut, to drive up profits. These bean counters had no idea about the intricate workings of the rails and how things mesh together. That is when a lot of horrendous decisions were made especially cutting corners and eliminating many important parts of the puzzle. Some areas were preventive maintenance on equipment, tracks, and other major components. Also, how crews were treated, proper rest, etc.
I just hope that things might be improving now and as time continues on with more experienced people in key management positions that are actually railroaders and can make sensible decisions.
Congratulations again and the best of luck in the future, especially if you decide to make it your life career. It is a job like no other, but on the other hand can be a very rough and thankless job that is invisible to most people.
Great stuff! Conductors are the glue that hold these railroads together-so much responsibility!!!
Just completed my 9th year at UP here in Southern California. I might be stretching it when I say I love my job. I do enjoy it a lot. From Van Nuys to Anaheim, Long Beach to Colton,I've seen a lot. That being said,I am extra board. Currently Anaheim. Being a road conductor can be rough,especially with the family. The extra boards I've been on stay local. I do have the option of hopping on to a board that makes a little bit more money, but that would entail my going out of town. I dont mind that so much, but I need to be home every day right now. Like the guy talking said, the guys I work with are a big reason I enjoy my job. The variety of the extra boards also. There is so much to learn that sometimes it can get stressful. The things I've seen on the rails here in Los Angeles,Orange County and the Inland Empire would make your stomach turn. But the reward of knowing youre doing a good job and keeping your coworkers safe is a good feeling. I can go on and on. The pay is good,my insurance is good,and its afforded me the ability to buy a house on my own. Good hearing from other cons from other railroads. We all deal with the same shit. I have pals at BNSF,NS, and a few at the old MRL. I ould never discourage someone from trying to get hired. Give it a try. If you don't like it,move on. You're never stuck anywhere. Anyhow, Happy new year and have a good day.
Quick question I just got hired with up is it possible to earn 100k out of training or is it more of a wait period to get your 5% raise to make that money thanks in advance
How do I find the road terminals
Are you in LA? How long til you can hold the Basin? asking for a friend...lol
Congratulations on your 5 years, I'm waiting to start with BNSF soon and am excited and concerned. The money and benefits is a huge draw and I'm really glad to hear from someone who's been in it as long as you. Keep posting bud.
Congratulations on the milestone and thank you for helping folks like me get started.
Being a trucker for 32 years and owner operator, Ibjust want to thank all the truckers, RR Engineers and Commercial pilots for making America and commerce work. I wrote a popular sing about it. But thank you despite all the fatigue and being away from families. I think Warren Buffet and UP management would do well to ride along with engineers and rub shoulders with the logistics crew. I really appreciate your attitude and showing us the mystery of the ghostly engineer behind the tinted glass. Those old road power with no ac and manual controls must have been a challenge. Please speak to us about hitting people in cars and the toll it takes on engineers. God bless you, sir.
I remember after my first 5 years on FNBS. Made it another 7 months before I left. Now with Amtrak now. We are still 200 miles out so kick your feet up.
Amtrak is an excellent company to work for. I honestly feel I added years to my life making the switch.
I start with UP on the 25th! Wish me luck! Thanks again for all the information you put out!
Good luck!!
19 years of this life, and I wish I never started it, but now I'm trapped. I hope my RRB is worth all this mess.
GOOD LUCK! Grow a thick skin, don’t make any major purchases until you get at least five years of seniority, and use your gym membership.
Hello. New to the channel, fellow railroader. I enjoyed the video and agree with all of your points.
I am curious, though, what you mean by "hi-vis" is it a BNSF thing? Thank you and stay safe.
Congrats on 5 years I hired in 2008 CSX. Done same thing left EMS and Fire Dept for railroad
Wow! Quite the vlogging setup you have!
I trained as a conductor for CSX in 1998 in Pennsylvania/Maryland territory. I had to leave just before starting engineer school to tend to my ailing mother. I was able to rehire a few times as a trainee again, then got laid off, Then back as a Yardmaster twice & laid off, then for a few years as a Control Operator. They cut out ALL those jobs in 2008 (Christmas Eve day), so I accepted the furlough and got a better job in Broadcasting in California. I just received the first two of three retirement gifts from CSX!
I experienced a lot of the same problems you saw. In the US, the railroads were started by Army generals, and it shows. Being a Navy guy (better leadership, at least back then) the top-down, never-listening bosses really bothered me. I don't tolerate bullies, either, which caused more tension. I liked the job itself, but it was run stupidly. A truck driver has better hours!
I'm curious, though, why you haven't been promoted to Engineer. At CSX, you HAD to upgrade within about two years or you were out. Career Conductors were a thing of the past, like the Firemen and cabooses.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Great to hear someone who has experience working for the railway, I am currently in the process of joining the team, and have already heard positive things about working for this company, thank you for your input.
Best of luck!
Oh man. This resonates with me. I’ve been with a certain Class 1 for 13 years now and it’s the same across the board man. Lifestyle sucks, but great money and benefits. If someone can tolerate bullshit, it’s a great career for them.
i hired on with the railroad in 1993... as far as laying off goes, back then we adhered to the rail industry standard of... (Trainmen will be allowed to lay off, account sickness of themselves, or their family members, to serve on committees, or for other good and sufficient reasons, provided due notice is given to the proper officer)... that is a DIRECT QUOTE (Rule 98, Permission To Lay Off) from an old agreement book, between the chicago and northwestern and the then, order of railway conductors and brakemen dated dec 1, 1946... and i guarantee if you were to find any other old agreement book it'd have the same words... northern pacific, nickel plate road, CB&Q, southern etc, same words... i mention all that to say that the judge that claimed this issue was a minor dispute didn't take into account the fact that there was DECADES of precedence for laying off that should have precluded the carriers from making any changes to that rule without first going to the CBA table... that new attendance policy altered the working conditions which made that issue a MAJOR DISPUTE... a section 6 notice definitely should have been initiated... that anti-worker judge screwed the workers over... it was all about politics and to hell with worker/public safety
Spot. On
so im currently a Load Master for a major cargo airline. Gone away from home for atleast 20 days a month, out flying around the world. Would a freight conductor, to you guys seem like a better QOL? I get yall are on call but I just wanted to put my schedule into your mind and see what you think....
this channel is great, I'm applying currently to BNSF and i have never been in the industry before. I left restaurant management hopefully for good, I am looking for a career i can enjoy and have good pay. I'm just starting my research but this helps so much along with the assessment video too. Thank you!
Congrats on your 5 year anniversary!! I just hit my 2 year anniversary on August 30th. I work a class III switching railroad that deals with a lot of heavy tonnage with power that was used back in the 70's. We recently just got a raise as well, with 4% each year up until 2024. The money is great, a lot of great people at my place, and great benefits. Some of the things you've mentioned are the same with my place. The management seems to be all over the place. Too many hands in the pot making poor decisions that they think are great ideas. It does suck at times but I don't regret my decision for joining the railroad. It's been something I've wanted to do since I was a kid and I'm having the best time that I can with it. Even if things don't go well, I still enjoy what I do.
I think the biggest issue with the railroad is it's not owned or run by legit railroaders anymore because the Blackrocks of the world have muscled their way in and made it similar to boot camp where you as the employee are put into a microscope and have zero privacy in your work environment. I think it's going to take you the employee to get some courage by standing up to these big conglomerates who have ruined the business by forcing them to understand without you, American commerce as we know it doesn't move without one of the strongest links to how someone like me gets his goods
I'm considering a career change and I appreciate this video so much.
Hey John, so I’m starting with BNSF @ KC this month any advice for a new guy to BNSF. Not new to railroading but new to BNSF.
While watching this video, I couldn’t help but think of the song “Flyover States” by Jason Aldean “Roads and rails under their feet, yeah it sounds like a first class seat”
Thank you for all the great content and please keep it coming!
Love that!
Been burying cable for 11 years, have always considered becoming a Conductor. Going to apply next time BNSF is hiring again in my area. Single, no kids and 33. Burying cable is nice but the works been very inconsistent this past few years, and overhead costs and expenses per month are a little over 1k not including equipment and vehicle repairs. Need something a little more stable and love being outside. Furloughs suck but I can manage sidework for my buddies company when that happens.
@@dixon2063 33 is a good age to hire out on the railroad. I hired out a 31, so I can retire at 61, you will be able to retire at 63. Hiring out in your 30s means you got to hopefully enjoy your 20s, and had a few crappy non union jobs under your belt so you can appreciate the railroad more. The railroad is a lifestyle, and it definitely has its pitfalls. But it really gets in your blood.
Retired Engineer here, don't expect things to get better. It's where they got the expression, " being railroaded. "
Well said Jon. Yeah the bureaucracy creates those micro managing and unbalanced issues. Everyone tries to justify their existence by doing or saying things that are probably not required. A bureaucracy feeds on itself unfortunately. That aside, I was happy to hear that people relations were a positive plus in the railway. Being well compensated helps too. Hopefully, the railway will evolve to be a better place eventually. Let us hope..
Been stuck on this question for a bit. I know both the engineer and conductor can use the horn from their desks, but who uses it more than the other for grade crossings?
Engineers hands down
PTC
I just applied for BNSF. I don't have any experience, but I'm willing to learn.
Withdraw that application. Run very far away. Trust me, they will run you into the ground and leave you physically broken and divorced.
Do you currently work for the railroad company
Listen to the other guy, it's not worth it. I know it seems like a lot of money but it is not worth it regardless what department you work or the position. It is absolute misery more often than not.
@drunkdonutboy There are people that are railroaders, and there are people that aren't. If it's in your blood, go for it! If it's just another job for you, you're gonna be miserable for sure.
the lack of leadership and lots of micromanagement is infecting just about all modern companies.
Not a railroader, and am now retired. I did have bosses who were micromanagers. There was one whom I finally stood up to and after that he left me alone. In fact some people said I ended up telling him what to do. Then another one, I just proved to him, that he had no clue as to what I did and how I did it. So, leave me alone! Now our attendance policy was basically the first few years you are there, they want your warm body there, every day. Then after year five or six, it was "you have all this leave time accumulated, get the hell out of here." They would even find reasons for you to go even if you didn't want to. You knew where the skeletons in the closets were, and yeah I might have put one or two of them there. So, again kind of make yourself a little more scarce. My poor dad worked for defense contractors as an electronics tech. Those guys always knew a layoff was just around the corner. The last one he worked there for 25 years and was never laid off, but he always knew it was just around the corner. I met some of his coworkers, and they always lived with the same feeling. It takes its toll on those people. It turned out why they kept him on so long was the company had the contract to maintain and re-certify equipment used by the FAA in air traffic control. Some of which dated back to WWII. The young guys coming out of tech school didn't weren't trained to work on that. So, the company had to keep the old guy around. He started having trouble getting parts for some of it. Nobody made them anymore. FAA's policy was OEM parts only, uh oh catch 22. Finally, the company was reducing force again, and he went for the golden parachute. He chose inverse seniority, and said keep the new guys and lay me off. He got the severance package, kept his great health care plan, then collected unemployment and drifted into retirement and started collecting his pension. I stayed with mine for over 40 years, my pension check is bigger than my paycheck. Plus I was able to convert unused leave time into cash, and put it in our tax-deferred plan to grow until I need it.
Great video and fair perspective. Finishing up week 5,6,7 in KC and back to LaCrosse for OJT. Tons to learn, but have no regrets and have enjoyed the work and folks. Taking it all a day at a time, thanks!
I was with UP and CP. Got out seven years ago. Best decision of my life. the railroads are unbelievably brutal. The money and benefits were OK. But the lifestyle and being on call completely defeated those benefits. Everyone I worked with pretty much hated their life and we’re looking for someway out. However, I was lucky because I had a back up in aviation. Most aren’t so fortunate. If you’re considering the railroad, I would highly discourage it.
Appreicate the information. I started researching RR jobs. The more I read, the more I realize I would not be able to handle the schedule or work.
@@geddon436 And that's the reality that a lot of people don't get. I love trains, love train crews, love to railfan and model (but not stinky BNSF, I'm a Santa Fe guy all the way ;) ) The lifestyle is just that, a lifestyle. Lots of time on the road, not a lot home. For single guys and gals, it can be great, but it's rough on family life. I drove big rigs for a spell and realized that it just wasn't for me. Driving trucks was pretty neat, but the schedule was all over the place, and the pay wasn't great.
All that said, depending on your skills, you could certainly get a job for the RR that doesn't involve driving or conducting trains. Lots of administrative work goes behind getting those trains built and moving on time, and the engines don't just run for ever. They need maintenance like any other equipment.
@@JF-lt5zc Hey. Thank your responding, I appreciate the information. I briefly looked at corporate/admin roles, to be eligible, I would need to return to college to complete my degree
When I was hired by the FEC they told me the divorce rate was very high & you’ll have no life for a few years. Well I lasted for 3 years & called it quits. It seems management were looking for ways to fire you. Not for me.
Appreciate it.. I've been thinking and I desperately need a job with me only having my hs diploma. Haven't been liking the reviews I passed the assessment for UP thinking about withdrawing now
Thanks for this, Jon. I have considered a RR career all my life, but always shied away from it. Now I'm in my early 60s -- I recently retired from my career behind the desk and would love to get out into the world. I have my health and I think I could do this. Thanks for a well-balanced assessment of the job, this is very valuable to me as I consider what to do from here.
Great to hear and good luck. Thank you for watching!
You mentioned drones, do you know if MTO's have to have an FAA Certification ro operate a drone and if so do you know what the Regulation is?
Any commercial use of a drone requires a part 107.c license. It’s cheap and easy to obtain.
Just need to do my physical n drug test next week n start the academy in Kansas n 26 hopefully they said at the interview the conductor trainee make 5800 plus every two weeks is that true or what would u say currently
I'm a family man, We have good support and the kids are a tad older (8, 13 and 15). I worked as a shipping manager for 15 years and am just looking for the next solid, reliable work and money flow. I plan to grow and thrive as much as possible, we are healthy people. My hobby is health/weight lifting and my wife a nutritionist/therapist . I understand there will be a grind and years of it but i dont want to be hurting my family and cut years off my life , I work towards the opposite daily. Do you think there's a way to balance for health if you are very committed? I want devote my skills and who i am to this and make it something great. I never give up and love a challenge, love to learn and enjoy the small things.
I work for a small railroad company on bnsf property. I'm an engineer 2 days a week and conductor the other 4. I wouldn't recommend this if you want a work life balance. I bet you could do the work no doubt but it is a soul sucking job.
Enjoy the 2 extra pl days. I hit 7 years this summer.
How likely do you see the pros as you said stay pros for yourself and do you see the cons that you stated getting better or worse as you stay in the railroad?
11 years June 24th, 2024. Bnsf TY&E.
You hear a soft whisper in your ear...
_"Come, come join me. Come over...you won't regret it, come over to the dark side..."_
- Amtrak
LOL, but i gave up wearing a uniform 6 years ago bro lol
@@RailsTailsandTrailsIdk have you seen their new agreement?! 😆
Sadly if the superpools become standard, extraboards will, more less, disappear. Employees will be on call for no pay and only make money when called in. I was with BNSF for 15yrs, as an engineer, and left in 2022 do to HiViz. Went to the IBEW and pay nothing in healthcare and make good money. Trip rate in Vancouver was $988 round trip w/out meals. 12hrs up, 16hrs hotel, 12 home is 40hrs. That was $24hr straight time. Now I’ve heard it’s more but still only in the $30’s hr. IBEW in PDX is $60.50hr. For the life style it pays way too little. I wanted to RR from 7yrs old and did it. But at 35 called it. Hopefully the RR’s will change but in my 15yrs with BN it only went downhill. Best of luck to all the BNSF employees and you. Miss the work and people but not the company.
Railroad friends are forever due to tje nature of the unique job.
You wind up talking Railroad evey time you are hanging out.
So you haven’t had an actual weekend or back to back days off in the 5 years you’ve worked for BNSF?
Hey John how are you doing man congrats on 5 years with bnsf railway buddy speaking hire out I am think about it but my girlfriend wants say home mostly can do video on union pacific we cut are local trains down two people in the cab
Do you have to go to college to be a railroad conductor or is there another way?
Hey guys what is the pay for a professional train conductor? Say youve been on the job 5 years?
I'm trying to figure out if my living location is doable in terms of commuting.
I live in south Jersey.
Anyone know?
Congratulations on your five years how long did you work for the fire department also do you want to be a engineer?
thanks! I was with fire for about 5 years and ems for 16. I have been kicking around the idea of going engine service for a bit now
I started with BNSF less than a year ago. Just as I finished conductor training, was forced into the Engineer program. About half way through OJT now. Nervous!
I really need some honest help here. I have two really amazing job offers.
1) BNSF Train Conductor starting at $28/hr bumps up to $32 after finishing training
2) Boeing Aircraft Assembly Mechanic starting around $21/hr. 10% matching 401k, top tier healthcare and benefits, 100% paid tuition to continue education, bla bla.
I don’t know what’s better and what to do. I am a young woman and want to get my life started with a good job. Give me your honest opinion because I really need it. I can start at either job any day!!
I’m in a similar situation, I’m leaning towards the Railroad. Mostly just to get more training and experience with electical systems and travel. I’ll probably do that for around 3-4 years just to stack money and have my business situated then I’ll dip into aviation. I’ve spent the first 6 years of my adulthood in school. I’m 23 so I can sacrifice some time to work. I have a degree in electrical systems, and soon to be IT and Cybersecurity. If you’re younger than me i’d say go with boeing, but use the job for schooling and don’t take your time for granted. If you’re my age I would go where the money is better that’s ultimately what the schooling is for.
@@Nevastopcashin yeah
@@Nevastopcashin I just turned 20. Don’t have a degree in anything but I have q few college credits and I’m close to my associates. I just know one thing. I wanna make good money, retire in my 50s, and be able to have a good job without destroying my body.
@@KateOnYT2023 You’re at a perfect spot right now. I would finish my associates and probably go to boeing to further your education. But you can go wrong with either choice to be honest. I’d recommend getting your education out the way if you’re disciplined, but if you’re business oriented and know what to do with money I would finish my associate’s and hit the rails
What’s up love the content! Thanks for the vids and knowledge.
I’ve contemplated getting in as a conductor for a while now.
I’m a CDL A Tanker driver. Just had surgery so I’m recovering then on to my next job.
I hesitate because I’m 50 years old now. Still in good shape and work out but no kids never married. I do like riding my Harley though lol. Sucks if I were in my 20’s or 30’s.
How many years until full retirement? 30?
Pretty much the Pension would be my main reason.
WHAT DOES PRIMARY RECALL MEAN I SEEN POSITON FOR CONDUCTOR TRAINEE AND IT SAYS PRIMARY RECALL DOES THAT MEAN I CAN GET A JOB LOCAL AFTER TRAINING
means you can get recalled to that terminal for a period of how many years if they get critically low on people
My dad worked for BNSF for 32 years
If we’re talking about working for the railroad the reason I applied because my family worked for it for years now and my grandpa died in 2006 for cancer from cutting those rails he was track maintence and my dad was a engineer so and so but anyway it’s worth working for if u have no life
Some railroaders have huve egos.
there's that too!
This is true, and some can’t spell it’s howibble
i have an interview for conductor position in 2 hours. wish me luck lol
Been with bnsf for 5 years and furloughed twice in that time. Moral is seriously down and management is atrociously bad. If your starting a career in railroading i definitely wouldn't make any big purchases for 5 or more years.
Hey brother imma fan i love the way u describe from a real workers perspective i have an interview soon. But i applied for a location a bit to far from my house. 80 miles to be exact. There is a location 15 miles from me tho. If i continue on to the interview can i request a transfer? Its for union pacific btw
honestly man I have no idea. Anything I'd say would be a pure, uneducated guess on that front. sorry!
BEFORE you except that position that's 80 miles away, you'd better check and see if the closer location and the 80 mile away location are in the SAME seniority district... or ask if there is SYSTEM WIDE SENIORITY in that area... if they are in different seniority districts, hopping the fence may be very difficult... also, typically if an employee voluntarily transfers, SOME local agreements may consider that person as a new employee and he loses any seniority he may have built up on his old district/division... but in your case being a new guy that wouldn't affect you
What do you do when another train is coming at you on same track
that totally depends on the situation. I see other trains on the same track all the time.
Say Shit...THAN JUMP...👍👍👍👍
Hey man , I’m a huge fan of the railroad. Ever since I was a kid , I applied for the bsnf conductor on august 23th. I really hope I get an interview. I’m only 21 with no kids and hopefully they give me a chance.
Good luck
The last contract was just about as bad as the 3 before it, in real terms I am making less money than I was 20 years ago. Also the medical is so much worse than it was when I hired out, I payed nothing out of pocket each month and no yearly deductible. The thing with the checks not bouncing, talk to some of the old heads that came of the Rock Island. When they shut down they had guys at the other end of the road who had to call up family and friends to come pick them up from the AFHT. Hell I don't think there is a railroad that is run by an actual railroader, the people at the top have never ran a train.
Hello I’m trying get on at Evansville western railway as a train conductor I had my second interview and they told me they went a different way but yet they said I was a strong candidate for the conductor position but yet they post on Facebook they are still hiring it would be a awesome opportunity for my family financially if they would give me the opportunity they are only an hour from my home the pay and benefits is awesome I just wish they would give me the opportunity I wouldn’t have to go to Georgia for training they do training in house I guess my question is what should i do I really don’t want to go to csx just because they require me to go to Georgia
Garant Vs. Norfolk Southern Railroad, Attempted Murder, Aggravated Manslaughter/ Assault, and Fired Whistle Blower.
I got my first Interview with CN tomorrow! wish me luck...
good luck
The 11-4 is going to limit the money.
I know a lot of people are saying that, but I don't think it will limit it that much if at any. Every place that I've chased to that has had a rest cycle i've made the same or more than not having a rest cycle. Going to depend on the terminal.
JOHN, H I W IS ENIGINEER O.J.T.
It gets better, but it takes WAY too long. 25 years to get 5 weeks vacation. What do we have now. 11 PLs and 2paidd sick and 1 birthday off now, that's it. Everything else is 8 points on UP!
Jon if the new people (I'm guessing Gen. Z'ers) want something to complain about work on the Track Department. Thats where they'll find out what its like to be treated like a peace of DOG SHIT ❗❗❗
Was your hair darker 5 years ago?
You come across the weirdest things walking a train.
On average how many women conductors are there
I wouldn't even know where to start on giving you an accurate number. I will say that in the past 2 or 3 years I seem to be seeing more and more women going through new hire training than when I first hired out almost 6 years ago. It seems that in most new hire classes there are at least several women in each. The number is definitely going up I think
Wow you are fast with the reply. I was just wondering. I have an interview tomorrow was wondering if i had a good chance of getting it
As far as furlough goes John I think we are gonna be alright. A little over 5 years I feel somewhat more comfortable. Just gotta see what happens this election coming elections.
Part of me wants to buy that same bit, but I got caught in that last big furlough and i watched guys with 12 years get cut. Plus they are working on the article 5,6, & 7 and that could possibly change things in a big way. Too much uncertainty right now for me to get a feel on which way it's going to go.
Iv'e been there 12 years, you look very unsatisfied. This place is turning for the worst. I feel like they don't care about us anymore.
Need more livestreams, unfollowed. 🤣
Working on it!
I am recent graduated student of railway Conductor course from Canada. I am interested in applying for train conductor position in the USA so what kind of documentation do I need to work in US railroads as a Canadian citizen. I really love trains and I am willing to relocate anywhere at my own expense. I would really appreciate it if you can let me know this process. I recently got a coditional offer from BNSF and completed the medical drug test.
Keep the trains rolling. Keep paying into RRB. :)
BN/BNSF 1978-2010