Navigating The Railroad's Probation Period

One of the first big challenges for every new railroad conductor is surviving the probation period. This period often claims many new hires to the railroad before they even know what happens. I talk about experiences and tips on how to navigate this probation period that the class 1 railroads make all new conductors go through.
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This channel for entertainment purposes only. We simply share our thoughts, opinions, and experiences about the railroad and railroad industry and full time rv life. We encourage everyone to do their own research and make your own decisions. Any paid endorsements will be clearly stated. I am an employee of BNSF Railway Company. The thoughts and opinions expressed are mine and do not necessarily represent the views of BNSF. I am not an official representative for the company nor do I speak on their behalf.

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

Make sure to check out our other videos and leave your own tips for surviving the probation period down below! I love to hear from all of you! PS - I know I misspelled "surviving in the title!" OOPS!

[@Heavilymoderated]

The “working scared” thing is a really important point. I used to work as a construction superintendent and I was pretty green starting out. The guy who was “training” me hated the job, hated the owners, seemed to hate his life, and I was the primary outlet for all of that stuff. At first it really got me off my game. I was just trying not to make him even more mad, so I wasn’t thinking about what I was doing a lot of the time and making dumb mistakes because of it, until I realized that he was going to be like that regardless of what I did, and he was probably enjoying seeing me stumble. Fear is good if it’s keeping you from getting hurt, but it takes up a lot of space in your head and distracts you. Awareness and forethought is much better. Even if you do mess up, or make someone angry, it’ll go a lot better if you stay calm and plan your next move instead of just reacting.

[@michaelhanson1400]

Top 3 reasons (in my area) why someone is fired during probie period: 1) Attendance - you are the railroads property now get over your old lifestyle 2) Phone - yup you don't get to talk on the phone while the train is moving - off and stowed 3) Sleep - What I thought you could nap? yes you can when stopped and waiting for 15 minutes. You don't get to make a little nest and sleep the entire run. When you do that you don't learn the territory and you piss off you Engineer, so if something goes wrong your engineer will probably throw you under the bus cause you were sleeping instead of paying attention.

[@jamesyoung7655]

He is correct… I tell new hires to slow down… if we don’t get the job done they’ll call a extraboard crew!!! Let’s go home with our lives and job!!!

[@johnandrus3901]

Good stuff. I always told my student engineers to know your train, plan ahead, be ready for changes and if something really difficult or bad happens, stay calm. If you panic or get too excited, things will get out of control. Another thing that I said to them, is to run your train, don't let it run you. Too me, that was some of the best advice. A lot of new engineers get a big, fat train, going over some difficult territory and get all worried. I had a number of new engineers call me, all nervous about their run. I told them to relax, remember your training and remember what to do. If you do that, you'll be fine. These days, PTC and TO/Leader do just about everything, but you still have to know how to take control, when necessary. I retired from a nice career and was glad that I learned how to run, before the electronic nanny's took over.

[@mshum538]

I worked forty years and did all of those scenarios you mentioned and now retired for 11 years I miss the sand flying days without the gps monitoring. I had no problem working 12 hours regardless if it was on overtime or miles and I encourage all to contribute to the 401k, mine did rather well, take care …

[@sebastianflores4479]

I just passed my cert ride yesterday and currently on derail with UP. This video came in at the right time.

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

congrats and good luck

[@MarvinWafflehouse91]

Just started conductor school last week …thankful for videos like these 👍🏼

[@patrickoguinn4553]

Marry the trainmasters daughter.

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

This comment feels like the Penny Benjamin incident from Top Gun, but the railroad version LOL

[@TexasAlabamaBoi205]

John is 100 percent accurate! Slow down,what you don’t finish there’s an extra board engineer/conductor sitting at home that will finish what you didn’t.

[@kens.3729]

Thanks John! Great info for those that want to give the Railroad a try. 👍🙏

[@justwowmanplays2941]

John, my man. You have no idea how good this timing is. I just finished my first day in campus for CN. Looking forward to the future. Couldn't be more excited, and this information is next level. Thanks man!

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

Good luck!!

[@justwowmanplays2941]

Appreciate it! Stay safe out there.

[@maplemanz]

From the time you hire you they are trying to fire you.

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

The difficult part for me is just getting hired. I’ve been trying for two years, BNSF, CSX, UP, CP Kansas City. I’ve had no luck. I had an interview scheduled with CSX and they just ghosted me.😢😢

[@gbenny582]

@@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime same thing with me and csx wtf

[@stephenthompson439]

Apply for the CEO job at Norfolk Southern...I think there might be an opening coming up...Luck hasn't been on his side the last few years...🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

@@stephenthompson439 ha haha.

[@25mfd]

@ 11:04... the railroad industry needs a MENTORING PROGRAM for new hires and the newly promoted... what you did when you called the local chairman is the foundation of what a mentoring program should look like... when you first said that, i thought you were gonna say you called a fellow engr that you trained you and you really got along with... sometimes that does happen as a new hire you'll work with a really cool and well experienced guy and you two hit it off... you can call him if you have any questions... this should be put into place for EVERYONE... i CERTAINLY could have used some mentoring as i seemed to have been stubbing my toe at EVERY frickn' turn when i first hired out LOL

[@KutWrite]

Two methods in general worked for all my working life, depending on your personality. Either: 1) Be likeable, or 2) Be the Unknown Guy.

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

Wise advice right there. Thanks for commenting

[@KutWrite]

@@RailsTailsandTrails I guess a third one could be more applicable in training and OJT: "Make them tell you no." In other words, don't assume you'll be disqualified or rejected before the test/oral exam/etc. Try your best and you might find they're actually hoping you'll make it.

[@braddehetre4364]

Waiting to get marked up with CN. About 30 trips in on my required 70, thing that scares me is that once I get marked up it is still another 59 days until I get my union representation.

[@Peterbilttrucker]

Take your time, I was always told they will never scream for you taking your time and doing your job. If that means standing in the yard reading your map and walking yourself through the move, do it. I always apologized to my engineers in advance it may take me some time. Never once did one of them bat an eye. Before you know it those 60 days will be up, you’ll be ready to start 61 and then get furloughed… maybe that’s just my luck. Take care!

[@georgewilson1184]

What he said is so true & Valuable and can apply to any Labor job or Craft Trade the Construction industry inside machinist work assembly line and my old trade Heavy Duty Commercial Truck Driving hauling Truck Load or Less than Truck Load freight Long haul or Short haul or Refridgerated & Frozen groceries Dairy & Produce or Hauling New Automobiles or Flatbed work Pipe Lumber Steel or Petroleum & Hazardous haul chemicals Gasoline & Diesel & Motor Oil this is a very regulated Safety conscience industry orders must be executed with care and complicity communication skills are extremely Critical in the Trucking industry Old heads can be of value to you or Not always proceed with caution ⚠️ & Buyer Beware

[@highertruths5417]

Thanks for all the info. Very cool.

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

You bet!

[@maplemanz]

You aren't allowed to get sick.

[@ZZ-we7vt]

I'm retired Army and looking for a job so I decided to apply for a conductor job now after watching video content like this one it's not that far off of being in the military will I be a good candidate for type of job?

[@raheemb3217]

Thanks for the advice 👍🏾

[@Society2day]

I tell pepole like this, you have a women in your life with kids? Yes: forget about it. No: apply and treat it like you signed up for the milltary. Also i ask do you have a train set at home? Yes: forget about it. No: apply and treat ot like milltary service. Do you like the outdoors? NO: forget about it, Yes, apply and treat it like the service. You will not have a life for the next 5 years if you do. And you will be tested everyday of your railroad life. They dont care aboit your problems the train will leave with or without you. The small excuses like: i got caught in traffic, my son or daughter is feeling ill, i partyed hard last night, i got pulled over, my fave my alarm clock didnt go off. Dose not matter the train is leaving on the dot.

[@drewhernandez5138]

I should be marked up in about 2 weeks and then start my 60 day "Derail" (probation)

[@MichaelRobinson100]

This is a very informational video but it also makes me very nervous to go into this career. One quick question what happens on probation or not what happens If you miss a call if your out of cell service or just accidentally miss it? Is it an automatic termination? Thanks for all you do I love this videos

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

If you have a missed call, most likely you're going to get let go.

[@ColdSteelRails]

Whatever you do, don’t lay off sick while on your derail. Buddy of mine hired out behind me and he laid off sick and he got fired about 3 days later due to that while he was on his derail probation.

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

yeah exactly why I say contact your local chair before, during, and if any issues arise. This has been claiming a lot of new hires lately.

[@maplemanz]

I don't know why they treat you like dirt ,talk about being stressed.

[@maplemanz]

They need to change their attitude completely.

[@renegadetenor]

I drive the crew van in my area. Most of them repeat the mantra, that everyday is the day they'll likely be fired! :(

[@thomasklimchuk441]

They'll spend x amount of money to train you then they'll spend another y amount to fire you

[@fredrick8947]

I just accepted a conductor position out of alliance TX for BNSF and can u tell me what signals there on is it southern signals or something different?

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

You will learn that all in Kansas City and when you do your OJT

[@advancedapproach]

Just got some news from Union Pacific. You are moving to the next step in the Union Pacific hiring process, Pre-Employment Assessments, for the Train Crew - Oakland, CA position. You must complete the online assessment before you are invited to an interview. Outlined below are your assessment instructions as well as helpful tips; please carefully read through the items before starting your test. I'm being cautiously optimistic. Update: I took the test and passed. Now it's a waiting game to see whether they'll deem me worthy for an interview.

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

congrats and nice work. Remember during all assessments, answer questions from the perspective of someone in HR or management. Don't over think or complicate the questions. Good luck!

[@advancedapproach]

@@RailsTailsandTrails I took the assessment and passed. Hopefully an interview is down the pike.

[@JosueRodriguez-kk6wn]

​@@advancedapproachUP conductor here. You may have to chase.

[@advancedapproach]

@@JosueRodriguez-kk6wn what do you mean? I actually got the interview but now am waiting to see whether they will select me.

[@JosueRodriguez-kk6wn]

@advancedapproach if you get placed as an Alternate you're in. But right now a lot places are full.

[@samh3029]

Lots of good advice here. 👍

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tidus2204]

Hello all apply just waiting to hear back hopefully I get it

[@patrickoguinn4553]

What if the local chairman is working his assignment and you can’t reach him?

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

Vice Local, secretary, president, trainmaster.. there are usually numerous options to work your way down from if the LC is occupied or not able to be reached. the Road Foreman of Engines are also a good place to turn to as well.

[@KeepitMe7o]

just stay out of the yard and do the road

[@KeithPetrie-e6i]

Jon how's engineer o.j.t. my friend?

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

all finished up and marked up bro. running like crazy lol

[@briannfs2]

Subbed! 😎

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

Welcome aboard!

[@swibble02]

Are there any benefits being a veteran when going through the hiring experience?

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

typically veterans are in the category of preference when being considered for a job

[@travantijackson2177]

I just got hired on as Truck driver on a 4 man crew, can anyone tell me what to expect on the maintenance side of things? Also what does training look like for me since I already have a Class A license? Also when we travel for work do they put you up in your own hotel room or are we sharing rooms?

[@stephenthompson439]

You get your own room... Railroad pays for it..

[@travantijackson2177]

@@stephenthompson439 Thanks I appreciate it! What kind of advice do you have for me since I’m a new guy?

[@maplemanz]

What is derail?

[@whitestararmada103]

so do modern trains still run on coal, and like do you have to shovel it in? =o

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

no modern trains run on coal. That was the steam era, and even then most of those run on diesel now.

[@TomStarcevich-fb3qo]

Union pacific it was a 120 day derailment period you derail anything your gone 😮

[@lonnieD542]

15 week old heads lol

[@WarDaddy66]

Sup hog head

[@sukhnindersingh1776]

That you can tell me what are the best jobs in railways for women so that they can build their future🚊🚊🚊🚊🚊

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

Honestly, find a craft that you think you'll enjoy doing and go for it. There's women that have been very successful in every craft.

[@sukhnindersingh1776]

@@RailsTailsandTrails thnks

[@sukhnindersingh1776]

@@RailsTailsandTrails can you tell me about craft