BNSF engineer gives behind-the-scenes look at life working for the railroad

"When you're on call 24/7/365," he said, "everywhere you go you have your phone in your pocket, you're worried about missing a call."

[larrystarkey]

Lived it, managed to retire. No misrepresented issues here. You stay strong sir. There is life after the class 1.

[brucelove]

Thank You, for making light of this situation! The Railroad will never let this info be known, on their own!
I retired after 43 years as Engineer. But it was a long road, I worked my way up, in just about every craft on the RR.
To those that are still working for RR, stay safe, . I am praying for your safety everyday.
Have a blessed day!

[jamesa]

Did it for 10 years at csx. Road and yard. Mostly road. Quit and now work for a passenger railroad and I’m 100% happier and make double the money and home every night

[patrickbroussard]

Did 30 years of that life and don’t missed any of it. Sometimes I do miss not having to plan life months ahead of time.

[pauliedweasel]

I retired from the BNSF Railway in April 2021 and I’m glad I’m gone. Since I left I’ve heard that they cut back the staffing level in the car inspection department that inspects and repairs defects in rail road cars on outbound trains to half it’s previous levels but they were still expected to do the same amount of work and it sounds like they are making the same type of cut backs in other departments. So when you hear about the latest major derailment don’t be surprised to hear that it was due to equipment defects or failures.

[kawasakiz]

Ive been on the railroad 27 years, 25 as engineer. From my experience, the pay was better 20 years ago before we had 10 hour mandatory rest periods. Also, the yonger guys have it way better now with a 7 day bid cycle. When i was a young conductor they had 30 day rolls i would often get rolled 30 times in an hour. Times have changed for sure.

[benhawkins]

Living in the UK where companies are legally obligated to provide 28 days of paid vacation by the government (not to mention unlimited paid sick days (within reason)), the land of the free really doesnt look very free to me. Unless you're the company then you're completely free to treat your workers like crap

[jimg]

I just retiredafter 53 years with the SP and UP. My first 19 years was on call 24 7 365. I had a physical once and the doctor asked how is your sleep cycle? Said am on call. He said you're in constant jet lag. It's a seniority system. If you don't have the seniority you get the weenie.

[NickNastasi-ibon]

I work for a shortline in NJ, best decision i ever made. I start at the same time everyday with weekends off. Occasionally I'll get asked if i want to work an extra job on a weekend if it's needed and I'll normally take it. Been doing this for 11 years this year. Sure the pay is less but im home every night. So happy i never went to a class 1

[vellbariaofficial]

Thankful that my husband gave me so much hope to learn about them!

[briggsjos]

The trucking and rail industry are both under appreciated and over abused and our government doesn't care. They'd rather make laws against the equipment operators themselves than the company or other parts of the industry.

[CpsLock]

Rail Van driver here, I will just tell you working with the railroad can have its ups and downs (money seemingly being a positive), When you go over your 10 hours of driving (and you will) you are put on rest for 9 hours, god help you if it takes 50 minutes to commute from to the lot for your van. Almost everyone I work with fell asleep during the commute to the hotel/base

[HotFurious]

B- Best
N-not
S- Start a
F- Family.

😂😂

[raysrails]

Good luck to you on your next contract.

[nickwelchoff]

Did it with the FEC railroad for two years. Never thought I would say can’t wait to quit. No life at all.

[RoyADane]

Once upon a time, I considered applying for a railroad job. Not any more, and I'm single.

[joeygorillatag]

I don't understand the fact that people don't realize how unpredictable railroading can be.

[floridaactor]

They now make much better money with the new contract, however, what good is the money if they can't enjoy their family? I was an airline crew member many years ago and we NEVER had to put up with hours like that...even on reserve! Quality of life issues trump a raise in pay, in my opinion!

[robertmason]

I was going to apply to BNSF in Nebraska and I heard about being on call all the time and getting hardly anytime off and I said maybe in the after life. I love trains and would to work on them and for them just for the love of trains. I dont even care about a pay. I just love trains.

[locomotiveproductions]

I wish they could make a lot of money, that the companies would actually care for the workers and the railroad, and have like 1 week on 3-4 days off at home