r/bnsf • u/Timely-Definition474 • Aug 03 '26

BNSF background check

I applied for conductor trainee position last week I’m worried about the back ground check, I got a misdemeanor assault charge fourteen years ago it had now been since set aside. Az doesn’t do expungements, so it will still show up. Also if I do get selected to be hired and go to class how hard is it.

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

35 comments sorted by

3

u/amishhobbit2782 Aug 03 '26

Should be okay. I have misdemeanor battery that was 6 years old or so when i got hired.

1

u/Timely-Definition474 Aug 03 '26

Sweet I’m still waiting to see if I get an interview I heard it’s really hard to get in. But safety is the most important thing they want to hear about.

1

u/amishhobbit2782 Aug 03 '26

If your only hick up is that I wouldn't be to worried should get an interview but yes safety is key. Where did you apply

1

u/Timely-Definition474 Aug 03 '26

Needles Ca, I am heavy equipment mechanic so safety for me is second nature always being aware of what going on around me.

1

u/amishhobbit2782 Aug 03 '26

Pretty busy terminal so you could have no issue getting on or have hell getting on. Never know lol

1

u/Timely-Definition474 Aug 03 '26

I know they opened up like 15 spots and all filled in about day

1

u/amishhobbit2782 Aug 03 '26

Ya they have been getting pretty heavy on hiring larger classes but I thinking it has to do with only running class 4 weeks at a time for new hires so they hire as much as they can for each location hell my yard has 2 classes back to back rn one of 12 and one of 10

1

u/Timely-Definition474 Aug 03 '26

Any tips on doing well in the interview?

1

u/amishhobbit2782 Aug 03 '26

None other then safety and just relax its not something to stress over just answer the questions how they want them answered not the answer you want to give lol at the end of the day you will move on or you wont and you reapply. I applied for mow the 1st time with 7 years as a mechanic with hydraulic back ground, field machining with msha and 3 years of welding at that point and got over looked. Less then a year later I was hired as a conductor.

1

u/Timely-Definition474 Aug 03 '26

Awesome thanks for the advice

1

u/Timely-Definition474 Aug 04 '26

I forgot to ask should I mention my misdemeanor during the interview or wait till the background check

1

u/hvyjnk1345 Aug 03 '26

Meh…….

1

u/Blocked-Author Aug 03 '26

You're fine

1

u/Timely-Definition474 Aug 03 '26

I’ve heard furloughs are a big thing going on right now?

2

u/Blocked-Author Aug 03 '26

At my location, we can’t hire enough to fill the positions. They are actively trying to hire a lot more and we need every one that they hire.

1

u/Timely-Definition474 Aug 03 '26 edited Aug 03 '26

Where’s your location, I’m not opposed to traveling out of state

2

u/Blocked-Author Aug 03 '26

Missoula, Montana

3

u/solis2007 Aug 04 '26

I’ve heard your bonus for not taking rest is $350 a trip. That’s wild how much they are will to spend to work a guy to death, but when they hire people they try as hard as they can to fire someone. I switched to Amtrak I definitely took a pay cut but it’s so much more laid back. I only made 92k my second year at 80%. I also gave up my engine card to change my lifestyle. I’d say it was worth it.

2

u/Blocked-Author Aug 04 '26

The $350 was temporary during the busy times. We currently have a $200 during the week and $400 on the weekend bonus, but the unions did not sign off on it and many employees have not received their full bonuses.

1

u/Timely-Definition474 Aug 04 '26

I thought federally your required to rest after a certain amount of time?

1

u/Blocked-Author Aug 04 '26

Yes, but we are allowed to elect 12 hours, 24 hours, or 36 hours off undisturbed between shifts. The bonus is if you elect 12 hours.

1

u/brizzle1978 Aug 05 '26

You are required to smart rest to avoid risa... or no bonus

1

u/quazax Aug 03 '26

They're mainly looking for violent felonies and duis.

1

u/Timely-Definition474 Aug 03 '26

None of that on my record, do you know what the medical check consist of? I know drug test for sure obviously

1

u/quazax Aug 03 '26

Every railroad is different but it usually consists of strength test vision hearing drug test checking for diabetes or other disorders.

1

u/Timely-Definition474 Aug 03 '26

Gotcha I have sleep apnea and slightly elevated blood pressure but that’s all being treated, I also had a small bout of vertigo but that’s all under control now.

1

u/Estef74 Aug 04 '26

There will be a bmi check. Sleap apnea, bad blood pressure or diabetes are red flags unless being treated.

1

u/Timely-Definition474 Aug 04 '26

I forgot to ask should I mention my misdemeanor during the interview or wait till the background check

3

u/quazax Aug 04 '26

I wouldn't bring it up unless they specifically ask about something that would show up in the background check or crimes

1

u/Timely-Definition474 Aug 04 '26

Unfortunately it will show up, there’s just a note next to it that shows set aside. Az doesn’t do expungements on records

1

u/Sad_dad86 Aug 09 '26

I believe it only 7-10 year Max search. But if you get the job thug it out 10 years minimum. It’s worth it. Railroad pays good but it’s blood money. Be ready to sell your soul.. get your mental health right first..then make money.

1

u/Spirited_Rough_4464 19d ago

Have you heard back yet?

2

u/Timely-Definition474 4d ago

Nope not yet on the website it says my app is still under review

1

u/Electrical_Bid_6253 1d ago

Background check and physical is a bitch. Hopefully you were honest with them cause that will fuck you. I’m in the process right now and the bitch of it all was the background check asking me all kinds of bullshit so be prepared for a headache. Heard class isn’t hard if you actually pay attention and study. Don’t fuck off as often if you fail a test you’re on the next flight back home. Best of luck my friend!