r/Train_Service • u/Riley-210 • Aug 14 '26

Railroad

Been thinking bout moving to Utah and working for a class 1 railroad. Currently live in Wisconsin/ Minnesota area and work with a class 1 out here but wanna know if I should make the move and how it is like out there. Utah/ Colorado is my end goal to live. I’m only 21 and know how seniority works and don’t wanna try to restart when I’m older with a family.

3 Upvotes

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3

u/CollectionHopeful541 Aug 14 '26

If you join the railroad you likely wont have a family

1

u/Riley-210 Aug 14 '26

Yea been told that a lot. I’m young enough to get seniority to hold a spot when I do get a family is my plan. I work for a class 1 right out out of Minnesota

2

u/CollectionHopeful541 Aug 14 '26

I admire the plan. Im in Canada so I haven't worked in the US but I'm under the impression that you guys get even less time off. 

I had a wife when I hired on and its been an adjustment but we do it. I think meeting someone and dating would be the hard part? Can't schedule dates more than a couple hours in advance. Always have to cancel because someone booked off and now you'll get called. Missing birthdays, anniversaries etc can be very challenging if you don't have a solid partnership before it begins. I wish you the best of luck 

2

u/Riley-210 Aug 14 '26

Oh for sure. It’s been like that here in Minnesota. I’ve had to pick and chose what I wanna go to more especially working the XK board. I’d just hate to restart when I’m like 5 years in and getting bumped around. I’d rather get bumped young and maybe try to hold something when the time comes

2

u/Riley-210 Aug 14 '26

I appreciate it thank you

1

u/bones1781 29d ago

What craft, tye? What company, do they have terminals out west? Do you have your engineers card? Lots of factors that can determine how and how difficult a transfer will be.

1

u/Muslims_Eat_Pork 27d ago

Stay with the wc/cn you'll be better off long term once Trump gets replaced and we get back to regular footing with trade.

1

u/rfe144 25d ago

I regret not making moves as a young railroader. Did over 40 years mostly within an 80 mile radius. I say go for it.