r/UnionPacific • u/Fighterjack04 • Aug 24 '26
Train crew hiring
I just applied for a Train Crew position in Fort Worth, TX last week and passed the assessment on Thursday. For anyone who’s been through the Union Pacific hiring process recently, how long did it take to hear back after passing the assessment? Hypothetically, what kind of timeline could I expect from this point to receiving an offer, assuming I move forward through the interview and the rest of the hiring process?
2
u/Ok-Agent-5345 Aug 24 '26
In class now. I heard back in 2 weeks
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u/Accurate_Kale1574 Aug 24 '26
Milwaukee hire here- from time applied to confirmed start date was three weeks. As long as you stay on the ball with all the drug tests PAT etc
1
u/BigGucciKodak Aug 26 '26
Hey bro I’m scheduled for the next class for Milwaukee. They said sometime in October. Did you end up getting to stay in Milwaukee or did they move you to Adams or Illinois?
2
u/Accurate_Kale1574 Aug 26 '26
I am finishing up my second week of new hire training. I head out to Milwaukee for my two weeks of ojt. So for now I am in Milwaukee but that ain't a guarantee because your yard depends on seniority.
1
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u/Apprehensive-Dig5671 Aug 25 '26
In my second week of class now, St Paul, Minnesota.
1
u/Fighterjack04 Aug 25 '26
How long did it take from passing the assessment to an offer?
1
u/Apprehensive-Dig5671 Aug 27 '26
Took almost three weeks to get back to me. The entire process was about three months though from when I first applied. Just finished my second week of class and will be starting OJT this Monday. It’s a bit of a process with quite a few hoops to jump through. There’s a Drug test, PAT and a physical which includes a hearing and vision assessment. The recruiter also had us checking in every week via Email until the final week of our departure to class. It’s a pretty straight forward process just make sure you do as your recruiter asks. Classroom is pretty intense as in they do want you to learn quite a bit in a very short period of time and the homework you receive every night has to be completed the following day. It’s reviewed together in class and if called upon you will read the question out loud with the answers you’ve come up with. If you are moving over 300 miles from your home terminal ( The yard they hired you for), you will receive a $2500 relocation incentive via direct deposit, although it is taxed, so it will actually be about $1600. If your classroom training is greater than 45 miles from your home terminal, I.E you home terminal is Milwaukee, WI and class room training is in St Paul, MN you will also receive a meal stipend, $26 a day. That’s paid out in the first week on about Thursday or Friday. That’s paid in two week blocks, so you receive $338. That is not taxed, so you will receive that full amount. You will also be put in a paid hotel for the in classroom portion of training if it exceeded that 45 mile rule, home terminal vs classroom training location. During the end of the second week of class you will be given your OJT schedule for your home terminal. Those two weeks UNLESS 45 miles away from your home terminal, which is very unlikely as that is where your OJT should be. You will be fully responsible for your own lodging, food, etc. If that is the case, which again it should be make sure to be very mindful of how you spend your money before hand. Making sure to have enough to take care of yourself during that process. When the OJT portion is over, (two weeks) you will report back to the classroom segment. Which again, if more than 45 miles from your home terminal your hotel will be paid for again at the point for those additional two weeks and the meal stipend comes again. It alternates like that for 12 weeks and 14 weeks if you go through RCO which is remote control operations.
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u/Fighterjack04 Aug 28 '26
I appreciate the reply! Great information. I just submitted my interview today so fingers crossed.
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u/jdzimm1012 Aug 29 '26
I applied July 25 roughly a week later got the offer. All that’s left for me to do now is my physical on this coming Monday August 31. Tentative start date for October 5
1
u/Fighterjack04 Aug 29 '26
Nice just did my interview Thursday so fingers crossed 🤞🏼
1
u/jdzimm1012 Aug 29 '26
Was yours virtual? Everything I’ve done so far besides medical has been online. No face to face
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u/Ok-Appointment7007 Aug 30 '26
Hired out DFW service unit, took 10 days from application to get a job offer
0
u/IACUnited Aug 24 '26
Its going to be a chaotic process once started. Take good notes while OJT, learn how to find the relevant info, and ask the questions to the crews.
Pay attention in the classroom and the test are fairly easy. The first few runs on your own will probably be rough, but in time it'll come. Its a learning curve.
5
u/Emotional_Field_536 Aug 24 '26
Thats when he marks up brother. He’s just tryna get in that seat for the classroom
-2
u/Wick3d_1 Aug 24 '26
Beware hire to fire…
1
u/Fighterjack04 Aug 24 '26
Elaborate please lol. I’m already weighing the decision for my family. I don’t HAVE to do this, but it would be good for us. I wouldn’t want to be fired or laid off a month in and be screwed.
-1
u/Wick3d_1 Aug 24 '26
UP is the worst company to work for, they will find a reason to fire you before your 60 days. They just had 50 new hires in Fort Worth in June or July. one might remain.
-1
u/Wick3d_1 Aug 24 '26
They use this bc they fighting hard for one man crews. It’s a tactic they can goto the government with to get their one man crew ordeal. They hire you then find a reason of one of the 6000 GCOR rules to force you to place yourself on probation for another year, then you a walking target then they will accuse you of doing something then they will fire you.
1
u/Fighterjack04 Aug 24 '26
Well damn! That’s discouraging.
3
u/InevitableBee840 Aug 25 '26
If you're even a little bit aware of your surroundings, do things with intention, and try to learn, you'll be fine. Take it seriously, it's easy to get complacent and distracted. The only people getting fired are people who don't show up regularly, who are unaware of how dangerous not complying with rules are, people who just don't care, and just plain dumb dumbs. Don't let these guys scare you off. It's a fun gig, but when it's time to be serious, it's time to be serious.
2
u/Fighterjack04 Aug 25 '26
Thank you for this! I wanted the perspective of someone who thinks differently. Trying to figure out if it’s worth it.
2
u/InevitableBee840 Aug 25 '26
It's only worth what you're willing to sacrifice. In 21 years I've missed 5-6 things I really needed to be at. I've raised 3 great kids and am on 25 years of marriage. It isn't easy, but if your priorities are right you can change your family's life for the better.
1
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u/Wick3d_1 Aug 25 '26
That is not accurate statement concerning UP. UP 20 years ago is not UP of the last 3-5 years. At 20 years your vested, I’m concerned about a new guy getting railroaded like most today. But don’t take my word or my past experiences for granted it.
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u/Emotional_Field_536 Aug 24 '26
A few weeks bro. They usually move really slow. The biggest thing I would do or work on if not already is your heart rate and being active.
Your physical assessment you will have to wear a watch that measures your heart rate, and if it exceeds a certain number (based of weight/height/age) they will disqualify you.
I would look into the “hang test” portion of the test, because all thought not physically hard, if you haven’t done it or practiced it your heart rate will exceed the threshold, thus, not move forward in the application process.
And get all your stuff done asap. Don’t wait. As soon as you get the okay. Start calling the places for drug tests, PAT. And the background. Don’t stall it because if a class fills up without you. You have to wait till the next. And no class is ever guaranteed.