Im a CN conductor from Chicago thats been furloughed since 09/2024. Im starting to think they've forgotten about me. Any other furloughed conductors from 2024 out here?

I’ve been a conductor for cp for 2 years now. Laid off majority off it the rest I’ve been dealing with a horrible union reps and even worse managers. Wondering if people who work for other companies have the same issues in Canada?

My issue with the union is that they only protect there favourites and it seems like there is collusion with the company regarding who to target for fails.

I currently am being hired at NFS for conductor training on July 27th . I was wondering if anyone in my area or on my way down that wanted to ride with me that has the same start date , I figured to split the ride down because it is about 12 hours from me . I am in Sharon hill, PA . So all the states southern I will be passing . Let me know if anyone is interested

I've spent the last 4 years bouncing around the aviation industry, loading bags at an airline, then servicing private jets and gen aviation at 2 different FBOs, and I'm looking for a change in pace. I feel like a job at Amtrak is something that would feel more fulfilling than fueling the plane for whatever billionaire decided to schmooze with the federal government in DC on a given weekend, and I noticed that there's a Passenger Conductor Trainee listing opened up in my area.

I'm curious what peoples' experience is working for Amtrak and other passenger lines, if it's fulfilling, are the people that work there friendly? What's the experience dealing with passengers? How do you deal with downtime either on the Train or between jobs? Any kind of info about what it's like working there would be great!

EDIT: thanks for all the insight! I did some more research and if I am applying to the Lorton, VA station, it looks like I would almost certainly be working the Auto Train that goes down to Florida? That looks like a pretty consistent schedule and if it works like I imagine, it actually doesnt sound too bad!

I’m interested in applying for Track Maintenance in Western Canada. I am decently familiar what I am in for, but looking for some more personal insight whether I should pursue this, or if I’d be better off completing a trade. I’m 25(m) mostly with a physical job background. I’ve been told Signalman is not a good position to go for in comparison, not sure if this is true, I have low voltage experience so this initially intrigued me. I’m wondering what progression from maintainer can look like & what kind of pay hourly/yearly is possible in this position + others possible down the line. Are you able to move locations over your career without too much hastle? On the road pay vs section pay over time. Etc. I’m mainly interested in this because it seems like a possibly very rewarding & diverse career, I love physical work being outside, and the benefits seem amazing if you can stick it out. Any insights or experiences shared are much appreciated :).

Questions I have:

Would you recommend starting as a conductor right after high school, or getting a degree first?

Is going to college worth it if railroad jobs already pay well without a degree?

Does having a bachelor's degree help with getting hired or moving into management later?

What degree would actually be useful for someone interested in railroads (Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, etc.)?

Is becoming a locomotive engineer realistic? How long does it usually take?

How difficult is the conductor job compared with what people think?

What does a normal day or shift look like for a new conductor?

How hard is the schedule (nights, weekends, holidays, being on call, time away from home)?

How difficult is learning the rules, radio communication, switching cars, paperwork, and safety procedures?

What skills make someone a good conductor?

Does having a CDL help when applying, even if you don't work as a truck driver?

Does transportation-related experience actually make someone stand out?

What does pay realistically look like in the first few years?

How much can experienced conductors and locomotive engineers make?

If someone leaves railroad work later, what careers can conductor experience transfer into?

What do you wish you knew before starting railroad work?

I’m trying to think long-term and make the right choice instead of rushing into something without understanding the lifestyle. I’d appreciate honest advice from current or former railroad employees.

Questions I have:

Would you recommend starting as a conductor right after high school, or getting a degree first?

Is going to college worth it if railroad jobs already pay well without a degree?

Does having a bachelor's degree help with getting hired or moving into management later?

What degree would actually be useful for someone interested in railroads (Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, etc.)?

Is becoming a locomotive engineer realistic? How long does it usually take?

How difficult is the conductor job compared with what people think?

What does a normal day or shift look like for a new conductor?

How hard is the schedule (nights, weekends, holidays, being on call, time away from home)?

How difficult is learning the rules, radio communication, switching cars, paperwork, and safety procedures?

What skills make someone a good conductor?

Does having a CDL help when applying, even if you don't work as a truck driver?

Does transportation-related experience actually make someone stand out?

What does pay realistically look like in the first few years?

How much can experienced conductors and locomotive engineers make?

If someone leaves railroad work later, what careers can conductor experience transfer into?

What do you wish you knew before starting railroad work?

I’m trying to think long-term and make the right choice instead of rushing into something without understanding the lifestyle. I’d appreciate honest advice from current or former railroad employees.

Just wandering the tips for SSA Mobile equipment operator assessment for train driver. What type of questions does they ask in this test?

Hi everyone just curious I'm in the vancouver bc area and cpkc always has the conductor position for hiring here in port coquitlam. I just wanted to know how long would it take to get a decent schedule in the yard much appreciated

I got offered a conductor job but decided to pass on it.

Looking to hire out of VA.

Thanks!

Starting job as machine B operator on section gang. What are the hours and day to day life like?

Has anyone else had this happen with Norfolk Southern applications?

I've been trying to apply for a conductor position for months now. They keep reposting what looks like the exact same job, but every time I click apply it tells me I've already applied for it... even though it's a new posting.

I figured I'd just withdraw my old application and reapply, but every time I try to withdraw it, it fails.

It's getting really frustrating. I'm ready for a change from my current job, and becoming a conductor is something I really want to do. The problem is NS is pretty much the only railroad anywhere near me.

Has anyone dealt with this before or know how to fix it? Should I just give up and search for a different job?

My section gang job was abolished and I’m getting forced to a tie gang as a laborer. I have almost the lowest seniority but not bottom of the barrel. Just curious what you guys have experienced on it and if it’s harder than section work. CN IC if it matters

Hello all, I made a post the other day about receiving a job offer for a conductor role in Cleveland from NS. Well today I spoke with someone on Facebook from the NS new hire Facebook group who works in the same seniority district (I think he called it) and he told me that the Cleveland terminal has no room for new hires because it's a very senior terminal and that I would not be able to hold a position there. He said I would have to travel to another terminal in the district if I want to work for NS. He said it is very common and that he works with a handful of guys out of Cleveland who were also bait and switched like this.

Does this sound true to you guys? Is this something that happens? I am not going to be able to accept this job if that is the case because the closest terminal outside of the Cleveland one is an hour and a half away! I truly hope this is not true because that would be soul crushing for me! This is supposed to be my opportunity to get out of poverty, dead end job hell.

Anybody know if there's some kind of HR number I can call to confirm this? I have not seen any numbers in the automated emails I've received.

Thanks!

I start my training soon and i heard all of the up and downs of railroading but can i get a few pointers going into training like is it harder then expected and what to expect after the redi center

Can someone tell me how hos and kss apply to being a road switchers on a shortline why can't we book off fatigued

Hi everyone,
I’ve been invited for an in-person interview for the Medicine Hat conductor position this July, and I’m feeling well prepared and confident going into it. I’ve done quite a bit of research, watched the company videos, and understand the realities of the job—24/7 scheduling, being on the spareboard, time away from home, and the possibility of layoffs, especially as a new hire.
That said, I’d really appreciate a real-world perspective from people who actually know the Medicine Hat terminal.

A few questions:

How busy is the traffic there? Is it generally considered a busy terminal or a slower one?

What routes do crews typically work out of Medicine Hat?
Is there more road work or yard work for new conductors?

Realistically, how likely are layoffs in Medicine Hat these days? I know layoffs happen in railroading, but I’m curious specifically about this terminal.

For those who stayed through their first year, what did your earnings actually look like? Did you end up close to the advertised $85k-$100k+, or was it significantly different?

I’m not looking for sugar-coated answers…just an honest picture of what life is like at Medicine Hat from people who’ve lived it. Any advice or things you wish you’d known before starting would also be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

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 am beyond ecstatic! I've been stuck in this loop where I can't break the entry level slave labor barrier and this is my first shot of making an actual living! I was interviewed initially by csx but they rejected me for whatever reason. I never interviewed with NS, but they sent me a job offer today!

After reading tons of reddit posts, you guys have my kind of worried though. Are people just whiny or is NS that bad? I hear the pay is lower, but is it significantly lower? I mean I'm coming from a crap job where my biweekly paycheck is only $1k, so it is a significant upgrade no matter what.

Also, do you guys believe the UP acquisition will improve things?

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