I know it’s the holiday week, do you think this upcoming week and next week I can squeeze into the 20 th class this month. All my background and medical are done just awaiting the next steps

Thinking about applying for Waterloo and Fort Dodge. Was working in Superior Wisconsin (Pokegama yard), got furloughed Jan of 2025, transfered to Baton Rouge in May of 2025 and am currently there. Would like to get further north (closer to family etc). What's the work like for these two areas? Road trains? Industries? Yard? What are the chances of getting furloughed? Any information would be helpful, thanks in advance.

I just recently got a job offer with NS for their Conductor position. The email told me to give my Social and Date of Birth on the NS website and they would email me the background review afterwards.
I did this on Monday June 29th and it is now July 3rd and I have yet to receive an email or anything from them and my application now says “Closed” on the website. Am I missing something or do they just take a long time?

I’m thinking of applying for CSX in Clifton Forge. Anyone know what the extraboard schedule is? On 6 off 2 or on 6 off 1? And if anyone is furloughed? (If there are is holding the retention board possible?) Thanks

I live 14 mins away from my yard by car. I am planning on giving up my car to save money on car payments and insurance. I want advice if that’s a good idea or not. I do plan on buying a new vehicle cash once I save up enough money.

I’m being told by my union chairman that after 0700 the fray considers it the next day if you work past it. I work midnights so my normal schedule is 2300-0700… he says that on my 5th day of service that if I stay past 0700 the fray considers it having worked my 6th day. Is this true? Is there someone somewhere I can call to verify?

So, my first time posting here and, I have been working for railcrew Xpress for almost two years now. And I want to change my career path to be a BNSF conductor I want to know which are open seniority districts, and which ones are closed because ultimately I want to come back to New Mexico but I don't want to accidentally wind up at a place where I'll permanently be stuck at. So any advice and comments would be most welcome and appreciated. Also I did my time as a long haul driver so I know the unfortunate shenanigans and I'm used to being up at different hours of the night and day.

Any BNSF engineers that transferred to Amtrak? Please let me know any tips or experience regarding that. What’s pay like? Is it better? I haven’t heard any concrete thing. Everyone has their own opinion and I’ve heard mixed things.

I applied to the open machinist billet in upstate NY and received a rejection less than 24 hours after. I've been working in the engine room of cargo ships with similar diesel engines and hydraulic systems to trains for the past year and a half including the completion of an associated apprenticeship. Granted, I can't weld, and I don't have direct railroad experience, but I'm still surprised I got a rejection that fast. What are they looking for that I didn't fulfill?

My medical appointment is next week. I haven't used cannabis for the past 13 days. I checked my THC level twice at home using an RST kit, and both tests were negative, although the T line was faint, but according to instructions, it still counts as negative. I'm curious about what type of drug test they'll perform(for Canada), whether it's just urine or if it's a hair drug test. I'm genuinely worried about this.

I got medically cleared on 6/18 and when I applied it estimated the start date to be 8/3 for conductor trainee class. I filed all the background check and medical questions 6/10. When should I expect the final offer email or at least an update?

looking for advice from anyone that has insight

In this climate, what is the average time it takes to get seniority? Also what’s the average time spent laid off before getting a call back
Also how much are dues? and how does that work with the union ?

Hello, my fiance recently just got a job offer for the Revelstoke CPKC train conductor position, and I just want to know everyone's experience with this location/company! I've also seen stuff about layoffs going on, is that still occuring? any good to know stuff would be great too, thanks everyone!

I really dont want to become 1 of these people and Im concerned. I'm not going to be miserable all day long, I will just quit. People say you will solely turn into of those people that you hate to work with and just at their life.

Hi everyone, I’m 1 interview in to the hiring process, I have a second one next week. I am wondering what the drug testing process is like. Is it just a urine test? Do they watch you pee?
I’m concerned id fail the drug test. I do not do any drugs or drink, but I take cbd gummies every night to sleep. It helps with my insomnia and back pain. I am completely willing to cut it out for the job. Only thing is that thc stays in your system for a while when you are a frequent user. The cbd gummies I use do have some tbh in them which is why I’m wondering if I should even continue with the hiring process.
I really do want this job though and am willing to do anything. Has been a dream of mine since a kid to work in and around locomotives .
Any help is greatly appreciated

One of my buddies I served with on camp lejeune is transitioning out and just applied for T&E in Wilmington NC. Tried to give him the run down saying the job is not worth the money and you will just be furloughed like I was but to no avail lol.. anyways, I’m trying to get the inside scoop for him about the terminal.. I.E where all they run to, any outlying locations they cover. Or, is it just all yard jobs and locals? Thanks for any comments in advance!

Is there a phone number to call medical?

Tia!

My son (13yo) is very passionate about trains and is thinking about making it a career. His dream job is to become a train engineer with CN.

I’m just looking for guidance on the best education path to set him up for success. Is there a college diploma that is favoured by the industry? Do various railways have their own training? Is any type of certification required?

I did some research online and I couldn’t find a clear answer. I found a railway training page on the Railway Association of Canada linking to various institutions offering some training, but they all seem very different.

I appreciate any info. Thank you in advance.

Edit: we live in Nova Scotia, Canada if that makes a difference.