Should I Work For The Railroad? 2024

[@scottschiller1153]

Perseverance, being able to take this lifestyle change and get through the first 5 or 6 years. Have a good work ethic, and stay marked up. Don't go out and buy new shit. Save that money for the slack times when you could get laid off. Invest in good grips and winters clothing. Have a reliable car/truck to get yourself to work. Forget about holidays and birthdays, celebrate them when you can. I did it for 44+ years, you can too!!

[@fredschair-heavytalk2683]

Thanks for the advice

[@NickHavens-c2g]

I’m in the middle of the application process and I’m super excited about opportunity of working for railroad. I’m an over the road truck now looking for a new change. This is it and I hope I’ll meet expectations for everyone. Thank you for your channel and all the info

[@JamesThomas-sr2cg]

Great points. Been with CSX since Dec '22, they gonna have to drag me away kicking and screaming to get me to leave lol. Made 80k first year, already at 70k now working extraboard. Have watched all your vids going through the hiring process and will keep watching as well. As for those wanting to apply, seniority is everthing even when it comes to what day or days you want off. The more you wait, tens more will be ahead of you when you get the call. You will have to be patient and wait, i waited 5 months after applying before i heard anything back. Yall check out all the vids cause they were very helpful

[@zbmcg22]

@@JamesThomas-sr2cg my start date with CSX is on the Aug. 26th. Do you know anything about the Hang test for conductors

[@JamesThomas-sr2cg]

@@zbmcg22 yep its not too bad. You will go up with a group of maybe 5 or 6 from your class to the platform which has a ladder attached for each person. I believe the timer is to hang for 3 minutes on each hand. If i remember the first set you just hang on with both hands. The next few you're doing one hand and doing hand signals that you learned in class with the free hand while hanging. Best thing to do is not think too hard while you hang. What i did before i went to school was go to a local park that had monkey bars and a ladder going up to it and practiced hanging while timing myself. Class is easy to pass if you study. Dont have to overwhelm yourself just a couple hours a day plus instructors will tell you exactly what to study and what will be on the test. Good luck

[@dhnvideos2859]

I applied for a position in Charleston SC, any chance do you have a contact there? I would greatly appreciate it sir.

[@jtsracer43]

​@@zbmcg22 I'm currently going through training at CSX right now. The Hang test is super simple. It's 4 minutes total. The first 2 are just holding yourself on the ladder. The last 2 minutes are spent doing hand signals on the ladder using a lantern. You could pretty much practice using a set of monkey bars at a playground or something. I wouldn't sweat it.

[@zbmcg22]

@@jtsracer43 thanks, stay safe out there

[@Shawn_p_tv]

Congrats on marking up as an engineer.

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

Thank you!

[@WheresQualdo]

I would like to also point out that even though you work irregular hours there are ways to take advantage of that and make the most of it. What I mean by that is when your home, things just might have to be more "spur of the moment" and just go out and do something while you're home. Also, it sounds weird but when I was on call it actually took stress out of the holidays as we had our Christmas or thanksgiving a day early or a day later. Just more food for thought.

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

100% On the mark man!

[@WheresQualdo]

@@RailsTailsandTrails Thanks! I was working at Northtown but soon I'll be on BNSF's Chicago division. Not sure where you're at but great video! This is going to help out new guys a ton. Wish I'd have had this when I hired out!

[@ForrestLambert.2022]

Hey brother, It's been a while. Hope all is well. You are looking damn good. I'm also losing the weight too. Pain in the butt to do it. Keep those trucks on the steel and stay safe my man. CONGRATS on Engineer.

[@TexasAlabamaBoi205]

Happy for you brother!! Congratulations on tossing the lantern and now carrying the golden reverser! No more walking trains at night in the middle of nowhere!

[@codydavenport8429]

Saw that you were a first responder before you made the career switch. I'm currently a police officer with 8 years experience and also looking at making a career change. I was in the military for 5 years before becoming a cop with the same wife through it all including two deployments. No kids or plans of kids, so I think the schedule and lifestyle suit me. CPKC is currently hiring near me and I'm really considering dropping an app, however, there seems to be a lot of dooming surrounding the profession, especially on Reddit. Interested in any special insight you or others might be able to provide!

[@pcfire0364]

Being new sucked so bad..so much to learn and know. It’s not so bad now that I’ve got over a decade on..and hold a regular scheduled yard job with days off.

[@likesanddislikesetc]

I was like you. A decade in and I was finally in a good spot seniority wise, comfortable with the lifestyle, job, etc… then I was nearly killed in a head on train crash when another train blew the red signal and hit us in middle of the turnout at track speed. Railroading ended for me. Oh well. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@alberturzen400]

Well done you covered everything. I worked 35 years I loved it family didn’t only on payday.

[@jessevillanueva6153]

Took me 5 years to hold my home terminal,it was all gravy after that. Shout out to my brothers at the BNSF Calwa Yard! Miss yall!

[@vTRage]

Lots of good info!

[@JayLovesCrystal]

Kudos to you sir. Oddly enough you leaning your glasses on your hat was something i never did before until I saw you doing it. Would always wear them on my forehead and they kept slipping. Gracias.

[@doughampton8330]

Hey Mr. John and fellow railroaders: My name is Douglas, 42, was a coach and teacher for 9 years and now I start my conductor training on 02/17 @ the Alliance terminal. I am nervously excited. I can tell you how to beat a full court man and zone press in basketball but my railroad knowledge is brand new or "green." So I guess my question is prior to training, what do I need to be doing to get a jump on things? Any help would be appreciated.

[@seansmith4833]

Good vid. You’re right about the pets. When I got a divorce I couldn’t keep my dog with the schedule. Only thing I miss, besides the money I had to pay to keep the house, is my dog and Land Cruiser. Also dating is a nightmare. Trying to explain to someone how you work and not being available for weekend get togethers or nights out with friends is tiresome to them.

[@MarcP5267]

I’m a Teamster and in non railroad and support my railroad brothers and sisters. To be honest, I don’t understand why you would want to get into the railroad if it’s such a huge lifestyle change. This is my personal perspective. I just could never do it myself unless I planned to be single. For me the only reason would be the compensation. However for me money isn’t everything. I would rather sacrifice money to be home with my family and be able to not miss important stuff. Our son was interested in getting a job at the railroad. After helping him investigate it, I gave him my opinion. He has a decent job with the state, he’s 25 years old and married.

[@redswift31]

Do you get days off in a normal week? Also how much vacation do you get a year?

[@alejandroaguilar-do5lc]

I would love to get a job at a railroad. Im ex-military I was a chapter 3 years in for Dui. Dont know much about different jobs in the industry Im willing to learn. Work in my pops auto shop as a mechanic. Where do I start?

[@dhnvideos2859]

I applied to CSX in Charleston SC. I hope I get an interview 🙏. It's a life long dream.

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

good luck man

[@dhnvideos2859]

@@RailsTailsandTrails thank you sir

[@fredrick8947]

How hard is it to read a switch list that’s my biggest worry before I start conductor school

[@sethjessbry32]

Dam Jon looking good man keep up the good work!

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

thanks broski!

[@talentheturtle]

thank you

[@wbstar22]

man miss you bro happy you're doing well. Are you still in Nebraska or were you able to move around when they went to the point system and all of those ppl quit

[@eugenenewton1909]

How long does it take to get vested into the retirement system? Already retirement eligible with a full pension in another field. Looking to see about a partial railroad pension after 5 to 10 years?

[@mrshowstoper28]

I've recently applied with CSX and received my second email informing me my application has been moved to the next step, do you know what's the time frame until I get the interview email and what should I expect

[@darinsmith427]

@@mrshowstoper28 Man it depends on CSX it could be a couple days to either a couple months or not hearing from them at all after that. Not trying to discourage you but I’m telling you from my experience. I had applied with CSX as a freight conductor multiple times and i wouldn’t hear anything back after it said my app is moved forward. So this latest job posting for freight conductor I applied and they reached back out within 3 months and I did both interviews and got accepted immediately. Im super excited, just did my physical exams now awaiting a start date for training school. Don’t give up!

[@mrshowstoper28]

@darinsmith427 Great information, thank you so much

[@DivergingClearProductions]

Applied for BNSF in Grand Junction, CO the other day. Got the dreaded “you have not been selected to continue in the process for this position” email yesterday. I will continue to apply when more jobs come out in that area. What should I do differently to land an interview next time rather getting that email? I’m out of high school, love working outdoors, I am 100% willing to travel and am ready to learn. I have loved trains since I was a kid and have wanted to work in the rail industry since then.

[@zackbobby5550]

I'm a conductor/engineer and I might have a few tips, but everybody's situation is different. For one, if you really are "willing to travel", then don't just apply to jobs "in that area". Show them you're willing to give them your soul by applying a few different locations around the country. I don't actually know if that will help you, but I know from managers I know that they do move guys around to see if they'll stay. As for my second piece of advice, love of trains has very little to do with this job. Don't get me wrong, it's awesome to do a job you enjoy, but you have to want this lifestyle for lots of other reasons. I loved trains too as a kid, and in some ways this career has ruined that for me. If trains are a big hobby for you, protect that magic. As for your actual application, nobody in the rail industry wants to work with what we call "foamers". These are people that are so obsessed with trains that it can actually impact their ability to be safe and focused. I'm not saying that's you, but be sure you don't put anything about your 'love of trains' in your cover letter or your resume, and don't mention it in the interview or to anybody you end up working with. Even if it's not true and not fair, many of your peers will instantly write you off as a guy chasing a hobby that will fail/leave as soon as shit gets real. Again I'm not saying that's true of you, but that's what many railroaders will think before they even try to know you. I'm just saying make sure you have plenty of other reasons to justify this career other than that because if that's a main driving factor, you're gonna be disappointed lol. Good luck man, for real. Hit me up if you want. This is a hard ass industry with hard ass people, and we gotta look out for each other.

[@ArantiusVulpes]

love this channel bro im an eng myself

[@MAGACOUNTRY2024]

Been trying to get into CSX for a year now. Just recently applied again. Im willing to give up my comfy village municipality job 2 minutes from my house for the railroad. They just dont get it though. They'd rather hold hiring events every 3 months because they can keep anyone. I have worked at UPS, and currently have a Village job. What freaking more do they want? And I have my Class B CDL. So frustrating

[@richardwesthafer3769]

@@MAGACOUNTRY2024 I understand your frustration brother.Railroads work at their own pace.Sometimes no rhyme or reason why they do what they do

[@TomStarcevich-fb3qo]

Stay with your job you have now buddy the railroad will lay you off in a heart beat .

[@danielvaughan377]

Might be a weird question, but i was wondering if you could explain how the headlight control works on a consistent with multiple locomotives. Hope i asked that correctly.

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

Lead consist is controlled from the lead loco through a switch and headlight control for the front and rear of the consist. Cut in DP's obviously no lights are used. Rear consist is manually set on the trailing loco when linking up to the lead consist remotely.

[@danielvaughan377]

@@RailsTailsandTrailssay there’s 2 or 3 locos leading a consist and reach the yard. They need to run around while breaking down the set, how does that work? I’m sure I’m not asking this correctly. Thanks for your help. Videos rock!

[@Tommy06289]

I'm single so right now the cons don't bother me. The only thing that would worry me is the furlough in my first couple of years.

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

Honestly the furloughs aren't fun, but they are manageable if you put in the time to learn how to navigate them and in some cases can open the door to hit the road and make even more money if you play your cards right.

[@gangfetter]

32 years with Up . I got out as soon as i could. Home all the time now is a big change.I missed a lot of family stuff always gone. The money was okay , Retirement is even better. I am 60 and hopefully have some time to enjoy it. There is a lot of rules and bullshit to put up with .I wont miss that..

[@Averagemomsfoodenjoyer]

Just applied for BNSF , fingers crossed.

[@jacobalmaguer7135]

I currently work as a vegetation management contractor for Pge. We constantly get furloughed every November and don’t come back to work until January. I make close to six figures but the benefits are awful and there’s always a risk of losing the contract. I have a 5 month old baby, and I would like to have more consistency and better benefits I got offered a job at UP in Oakland Ca for train crew. Are all the benefits and pay worth the hectic schedule? For you family men, how do you make it work? From my understanding, if I take the job, I’m probably going to miss a lot of milestones. Is it worth it? Thank you for responding

[@sebastianflores4479]

Don’t do it, one thing to consider with Union Pacific is the insane amount of bumping. I also applied to Oakland but really I was applying to the whole nor cal UP system and I was sent to Fresno, Watsonville, and Roseville. I never got to step in Oakland. Be prepared for that!

[@txgoldsmile]

Understand it takes alot of your time. The problem isn't the sensible time that's makes it difficult. It's the incompetence when it comes to you finish your job but they don't get you a ride or you see yard masters or dispatcher wildly obviously making decisions that for no good reason keep you at work hours longer than you need to be. 17 years in I started a company 5 years ago that's more profitable so the last thing authority figures talking to you like you will go homeless if they cause you to miss 1 day of work I do not deal with that at all anymore which makes it alot easier place to be

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

Yeah, you're not wrong. The railroad is definitely not for everyone.

[@josequintin2751]

I'm currently working as track maintenance for bnsf, I know I have to wait a year before I can apply for a craft transfer. I'm considering transferring to a conductor, any suggestions? I'm in the pacific northwest.

[@JuanJara-z7p]

@josequintin2751 what's the schedule for track maintenance??

[@JuanJara-z7p]

What's the schedule for track maintenance at bnsf

[@shyryTsr2k]

As a guy in my early 20’s looking to get into the railroad industry I already know that a lot of the senior employees will probably make me do the crap jobs and stuff lol. Would you say that that’s the case for a lot of noobs/younger people getting into the industry that they get a “hazing” treatment?

[@Sniperjones_007]

Will my bachelors degree matter in moving up in this career?

[@jimslaight4385]

I did it for 12 years then got trained for engineer. I was hoping to retire before I would be needed. Unfortunately I quit instead of working as a engineer

[@CDKAZ0688]

How does holiday pay work? I understand if I get a job I will be working holidays. Do you get your trip pay/hourly pay + holiday pay for the day?

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

Holiday pay is typically reserved for scheduled jobs. Road jobs typically do not get a holiday pay. It all varies on agreements, but expect to work holidays without a nice pay bump.

[@CDKAZ0688]

@@RailsTailsandTrails Damn okay. Thanks for the insight!

[@alexkbenjamin]

do major railroads often hire people who are changing careers into the railroading?

[@KennyCz87]

I worked for BNSF, good money, but hated the irregularities in hours. Left for lucrative job in Bitcoin mining, growing industry and learning new things and skills daily. Your channel was helpful, wish you and all the best.

[@ryansais13]

It's feast or famine. Sometimes you'll be working so much and making so much all you want is a day off... Sometimes you won't be making any money.

[@cj6585]

Good points. Marked up a few months now. It gets real real fast when responsible for 7000+ tons behind you. Get your rest, stay sharp. I'm looking at a temp transfer now away from kids and wife for four months. Extra board pay at 80% is rough in this economy. Stay safe folks we are our brothers keepers out there

[@jamesyoung7655]

100% in east texas

[@jamesyoung7655]

100% in east Texas Union Pacific

[@cj6585]

@@jamesyoung7655 nice, good on them taking care of their people for the work we do and sacrifice

[@TexasAlabamaBoi205]

@@jamesyoung7655Where do yall run to out of East Texas? I used to live in Big Sandy

[@jamesyoung7655]

@@TexasAlabamaBoi205 come out of Longview… get on trains at that depot

[@demarcuslyles2990]

Im getting sick of working on my rest even though Im making some nice scratch. I need a vacation

[@gianlucabobo9]

@@demarcuslyles2990 my man, i work in the railroads in Italy, we are all in the same boat, i feel you

[@gianlucabobo9]

My man i feel you, i work in the railroads in italy. We are all in the same boat

[@diegoalexanderboyzoruiz3234]

Anybody from UPs California service unit? I work in the Rocky Mountain service unit looking to transfer! Lmk if you can get me in contact with somebody interested!

[@toms-journey]

If I could do it all over again, absolutely not. I've got 19 years in and too much time invested to leave. They only reason I came to the railroads was the pension. My last company stole my pension right after 911. I worked for United Airlines. If I were single, I would leave today. I can live as an expat off my military benefits. My wife is much younger than me, so I have to work long enough to make sure she has a retirement.

[@stephenthompson439]

Did you forget to mention 80% starting pay rate for new Conductor's on the BNSF ??????

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

Nope, the step rates are going away as Article 6 and 7 are implemented. Along with unpaid qualification trips. Pretty much all class 1's are getting rid of step rates after CSX came out of no where and abolished theirs.

[@kathybarns8351]

As an engineer, I say NO. I tell them you have no future in railroading. The railroad hates you and is bent on getting rid of everyone. They want scabs and contractors to do everything. Along with remote everything.

[@gbenny582]

How is the Carmen job? Zero response in a month 😂 at least give me a rejection letter say something.

[@sasquatchhq5757]

Should you: No

[@ddstanfield9259]

Man you lost some weight Are the tats new too

[@RailsTailsandTrails]

last weigh in was 208lbs lost brother. No new tats in about 8 years man.

[@ddstanfield9259]

@@RailsTailsandTrails sorry about the loss, Stay healthy mentally and you look physically well. God bless you guys