I’ll be getting out of the Navy soon, and I am looking into aplying for a Conductor Trainee posistion on the BNSF. I have a few questions though. Do conductors get paid hourly, or salary? The BNSF website conductors are essentially on call 24/7, but surely they must get some kind of vacation time. How far do traincrews travel in a given day? Do they work only a particular division, or do they work their way accross the entire system and then work their way back? Thanks for the help everyone. Jason
Train crews usually work over one or two subdivisions, typically between 100 and 200 miles. Your local pool agreement will dictate whether you deadhead (in a van) and turn, or stay in a hotel at one end of the trip, as well as regulate your off days. You will accrue vacation and personal days, based on the agreement and your length of service.
Again your local agreement will spell out your basic day’s pay, when you go on overtime, and any other things you may be paid for, ie riding the side of a car over 1 mile; preforming a Class I brake test, where there are car inspectors on duty; making more then three moves yarding the train; etc.
I’ve been a railroader for 8 years. Conductor, RCO Operatior, Training Conductor/RCO Operator, Yardmaster, and Trainmaster.
It’s a tough life. I’ve missed countless Birthdays, Thanksgivings, and Chirstmases. I’ve had rocks thrown at me, and been shot at. I’ve walked trains, in the dead of night, blazing sun, pouring rain, and driving snow. I’ve seen 2 co-worked injured so baddly, they can’t return to work. 10 others had time-loss injuries, but have returned to work. And worst of all, I’ve buried one co-work killed on the job.
I’ve also made a lot of money. For the most part, I work with a great bunch of guys, who when the chips are down, will give you the shirt off thier back. We really are a family. And there’s nothing like the feeling of seeing the little kids waving as you go by.
Be wary of your reputation. Railroaders gossip worse then old women. Not everyone will know your face, but everyone, and I mean everyone will know your reputation.
You don’t have to kiss the Yardmasters, Trainmasters, and Dispatchers tooshies. But being on good terms with them can prevent a lot of headaches.
Know your rules and union agree
Nick,
Thanks for your reply, it was very insightful. From what you said being a railroader is not unlike being a Submariner. Long periods of time away from home, harsh working conditions, and danger lurking around the corner. I’ve wanted to be a railroader since I was a kid. Is there anyone else that is willing to share their experiances, or words of advice with me?
Jason
Hi Jason I am retired Navy and work for the BNSF as a locomotive engineer, I have worked for BNSF for 5 years, I live and work in Illinois. Your seniority is determined by a draw i.e. names in one hat and numbers in another hat any other questions contact me out of the group.
Rodney
Former Navy works at the same place as Rodney there, and we have 5 subs to run on here,however seniority will resrict you to only 2 or 3 just starting out.
That being said we have had certain boards be short and wound up sending guys that go to Chicago out west to Creston ( fun to hear guys who havent taken a track warrant in a while try to read one back to ole KRS who is a meticulous DS and will make you redo it if you fudge it up)but those guys are on the extra list so they are more flexible so to speak. If you hold a pool turn your on that sub ( again our two chicago subs run from the same pool list so you might be Chilli one day Mendota the next)
route rock:
I am not looking for employment with the railroad, but your post was interesting. So, it is possible that out of Galesburg you can go on several subs? I am familiar with Galesburg and understand you have the following:
- ATSF (Chili) route to Chicago.
- BN (Mendota) route to Chicago
- BN route via Quincy
- BN route via Burlington
- ATSF route to KC
- Southern Illinois route via Centralia
- BN route up to Savanah
and maybe a couple more…
So, how many of those can you be called for? Do you regularly run just one (or two if Chicago bound). When you say “pool”, does that mean you are permanently or semi permanently assigned to one route?
One final question…which sub do you prefer?
Thanks.
Ed
Yes they can call me, but no, if I’m not assigned to the protecting pool for that route, then I don’t have to take the call.
Are you interested in transit? It’s not a freight railroad, like BNSF, but you are home every night, you might work Thanksgiving, but you might have to shift your turkey dinner to 11 AM or 8 PM. Pay is comparable to freight railroads, a little outdoor work, but rarely snow.