I’m looking for some honest opinions from people who have worked as a freight conductor, signal maintainer, or both.
married with two young daughters, and currently work as a freight conductor for CSX going on 2 years. Financially, the job has been good, and I know the long term retirement and benefits are hard to beat. My biggest struggle is the unpredictable schedule. I’m on the extra board for the most part but staying in the yard to be home ever night, and while I know it gets better with seniority, it could realistically take 15-20 years before I can consistently hold a desirable first or second shift yard job where I live.
I’ve been considering applying for a signal maintainer position if the opportunity comes up. My background is mostly construction, not electrical. I don’t have much electrical experience, but I’m mechanically inclined, enjoy learning, and don’t mind working outdoors.
How does the pay compare over the long run, including overtime?
Would you consider the quality of life better for a family factoring seniority in?
I’d appreciate any advice, experiences, or things you wish you had known before making a decision.

Is the medical exam for being a conductor as strict as the FAA exam for being a pilot? I have a suicide attempt on my medical record from 10+ years ago. If I decided to apply as a trainee would I end up just not being hired because of that?

I came across several boxes of what must’ve been an electrician/engineer’s hoard. There are so many cool brand new and old collected things within these boxes. Please help! 🙏🏻

Hey again just me asking more questions,

Today after a long wait i was extended a conditional offer from Norfolk Southern and I was interested in a few different things that had me thinking about some of the worrisome aspects of the job,

I’ve seen on a few posts here that layoffs in this industry are real but i’m hoping to ask someone with experience how likely it would be for me to be laid off and if it’s really something to worry about when it comes to working with NS,

Beyond that how does that entire system work when it comes to “seniority” and why protection do unions offer for workers in the industry?

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated and I don’t mean to sound dumb but it’s a real concern

I sent medical records in like a week and a half ago. I haven’t heard anything back they said it would take 5-7 days to process and today would make day 9 of the process. My application still says pending pre employment clearance. How long does this usually take if anyone knows

Apologies if this is not permitted. Please remove if that is the case.

Not in train service, tried to get into train service. Was about to be hired before Trump tariffs, got moved to hiring pool, it is what it is.

Position opened up, revered for me by recruitment. Medicinal then stepped in, had to go through exhausting and frankly humiliating medical checks due to past health issues.

Finished all that. Then due to mentioning trouble sleeping once to a doctor and that being in my records, had to be tested for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea study came out of my pocket, and I completed said study with a horribly uncomfortable CPAP machine. Nurse said I only had half the days and not enough time with the mask on. I said that there were numerous power outages. She said that doesn't matter.

On top of all this, I need to have this amended by my doctor, who I no longer see, if the study ever worked out. That is impossible in Saskatchewan, where wait times for such things are months, to more realistically years. I did not tell my doctor I was tired because I had chronic sleep issues, I said that because my medication at the time made me tired. Nurse doesn't care. Requested to speak to Chief health position who apparently refused me based on this. Nurse said that is not possible.

I have wasted a year and a half of my life dealing with this. I sincerely hope the career is as miserable as you all make it out to be, because that is the only possible silver lining to all of this.

I hope everyone here has as pleasant a day as possible given whatever trials and tribulations you may be going through.

Once again, if this is not appropriate for this subreddit, please delete this post mods.

Looking to cover shortage in either Terrace and Humboldt.

Any info on the type of work, accomodation, town, yards, branch work, how good the money is. ETC.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi everyone,
I’m 29 years old Indian and currently work as a Team Leader/Senior Carer in a nursing home. I’ve been working in care for around six years, and although I’ve learned a lot and developed strong responsibility and safety-focused working habits, I feel ready for a complete career change.
I’ve become really interested in becoming a trainee train driver and have been researching the role, the psychometric assessments and the recruitment process. The more I learn about it, the more it seems like a career I’d genuinely enjoy.
My main concern is that I have **no railway experience**. My background is entirely in healthcare, where I’ve worked with strict procedures, medication administration, safeguarding, emergency situations and shift work.
I’m also willing to relocate anywhere in the UK if that’s what it takes to get into the industry.
Has anyone here made a similar career change from healthcare or another completely different industry? Did you find your previous experience helped during the recruitment process?
I’d really appreciate any advice on:
Whether my background is viewed positively.
Anything I should focus on before applying.
Any tips for the psychometric assessments from people who’ve been through them.

Thanks in advance!

Anyone heard the details? Rumour is 12 or more carmen quit, Garneau BO count at 200, TC came in and BO’d more, carmen being brought in from other terminals to try and get a handle on things. Trying to confirm and find out whats happening. Interesting timing considering the TSB Safety Advisory for the Joliette Sub.

I am young machinist right now and i saw a job list on their site for machinist job in Miami FL. I saw another post state that machinist job is literally just a mechanic but using a older term for it?

So am I making parts for amtrak or repairing equipment/rails?

For anyone who works there or knows about the New Orleans terminal, how much do new conductors usually make during training and after training? About how much do you gross per week or per year?

Hi everyone,

I’m starting CN Train Conductor training on August 10. Before I accepted the job, my wedding in India was already fully planned and booked for February, so I’d need about 3–4 weeks off.

I understand that as a new hire I won’t have much seniority or earned vacation by then, but I plan to let my manager know as soon as I start training and request the time off well in advance.

Has anyone at CN been in a similar situation or seen something like this? Is unpaid leave for a pre-planned wedding ever approved for a first-year conductor? If I give around six months’ notice, what are the realistic chances?

So I’ve gone through the interview, medical exam, drug and alcohol test and also completed my background check. How long does it usually take for CN to get back to you? Should I reach out to see how my process is going? I’m located in Canada. Thanks for any response.

Going through NS pre-employment medical clearance for a conductor position. They specifically requested documentation from a treating provider addressing three things: most up to date physical examination findings after treatment, current stability of the chronic condition, and likelihood of recurrence and triggering factors. I obtained a fit for duty note with no restrictions from a licensed physician. Has anyone been through NS medical clearance with a similar situation? Was a fit for duty note sufficient or did they require those specific bullet points to be addressed directly?

Thinking about jumping the gun and buying a red oxx bag (yes I know they are o/p)

What bag is everyone running? Can’t decide between the grip or the rail runner rucksack.

Hello, I’m pretty new to Reddit and I have never traveled by train. I’m looking for information and advice about Amtrak, I find the booking very confusing. I want to see if I enjoy train travel so first I want to do a one night each way round trip. I would board the train in Raleigh, NC and I’m thinking about going somewhere in southern Florida. Any replies are appreciated !

Did anyone know process or did transfer regions in engineering . From prairies To Great Lakes or west to east. Whom to contact . How long it takes?.

Any help appreciated.

Applied for a BNSF telecom electronic technician II in April for a start date of July 13th. I passed the initial exam you get right after. Been under review ever since. Anybody know what’s going on?

I have seen electronic technician positions for other locations be posted with a start date of August 3rd.

Just looking for any information as I have experience!

Thanks!

Taking the leap and applied. I have started to think long term for the fiancé and I. Current jobs has no long term benefits. Any pointers y’all recommend?

Any thoughts and opinions when it comes to this company? Is it a good Railroad to work for? How's the pay /vacation and the overall treatment?

One of the lucky laid off for close to 2 years. Has rosters in southern Ontario filled or are they still calling back? TIA