Update Fall 2022 - All conductors, at least those on Northern ex-BN side) are going to BNSF TTC for 3 weeks at Overland Park KS (Johnson Community College/National Academy of Rail Science/NARS) and another week for review and final. On top of those 4 weeks, about 13-15 weeks at your home terminal with OJT.
Thank you for the advice. I got my Final Offer Letter last week and have a Jan 23rd start date. I'm currently in the dark, as far as what to expect, but ready to embark on this new path in life. Thank you for the info you have provided here 🙏🇺🇲👍
@PullinNoGirls congratulations! 👍I'm very excited but I'll admit I'm also nervous. TH-cam videos like these really help fill a lot of the unknowns and have helped me prepare a little bit beforehand. Wow needles! Best of luck to you and maybe I'll see you out on the rails. My name is Leo. Be safe👍
If you come from a short line railroad, your learned skills will benefit you as BNSF teaches you their way of working with them. It does matter if you worked for a short line railroad because that means that you're familiar with railroad operations. Some even run BNSF and Union Paific trains plus switching.
First off I was a conductor for 8 months and a engineer for 13 years for CSX this is my mom’s phone I’m on but anyway you did a great job with this I hired on in 97 we attended school in Atlanta for five weeks strictly classroom before they changed the program then field training I would say it is intense but not impossible I was a underachiever in high school but at 24 with a new baby I got serious I did make a 100 percent on the entrance exam which set the bar for me personally I did listen in class I studied at night I got up early to refresh every morning and graduated with a 99.3 so let me tell you there is hope for everyone you get out what you put in and a 99.6 in engineer school so if you take it seriously and you better because it’s life and death sometimes and these people you work with are actual family you spend more time with them than your own family so your responsible for them so please take it serious but you can do it I would agree with everything you said one tip is your signals test write them on flash cards word for word period for period and start learning one or two every night you miss one word or one punctuation mark and your done
I will say, coming from another railroad with experience is a huge benifit. going from a short line to the UP. I openly talked with my trainers about other railroads. Had alot of good convos with guys about it but I didn't just come across as a know it all either. I kept that sponge mind approach and if you have a tip or some advice for me, I'm gonna take it and run. I did work with some guys that I had more experience then they had, specially in the yards. Worked one rcl switcher, I had more experience then both guys but I still listened to everything they had to say and absorbed anything they were willing to tell me. I hired out at a terminal my dad had worked at for 20 years so I unfortunately kinda had a treatment where once guys found out who I was related to, plus having experience railroading, I had to almost fight for training. I may not be brand new and I know how to switch but still give me tips and tricks. Any of you old heads on here, i get that you've probably trained so many new people that you're sick of it but try to teach and give as much advice as you can. I didn't run a rcl till almost the end of my rcl ojt cause I got jobs with old heads and they were more focused on getting a quit then makin sure I was getting familirized with it. You new guys, don't be afraid to tell your trainers to pitch you the controls and let you run a bit. You won't regret standing your ground a bit that first time you're out there by yourself.
Fantastic video. I will view and listen to this entire video twice. As an employer (plumber) I expect a reply either verbal or other type of confirmation showing me that employee understood what I was asking for. Communicating we me was critical. Not that everything is about me or myself, communication is critical. One other quick comment here, use manners, don’t rip one in the truck w me and think it’s funny, use a cleanex or paper towel for a runny nose. Profanity is a sign of weakness and lack of brain activity. Gratitude such as “thank you sir “ goes a long way w most people, seniority or no seniority. And the last final titbit……. Clean humor without sarcasm or profanity will keep you hired longer than one might think. Thank you for reading my comment. Good luck to all my TH-cam fam. Applied for a laborer position in Sparks, Nv. As a laborer. Also, keep being the inspiration that you (the reader) are, people do look up to you, regardless of what you might think. Keep your head up!
My conductor school in 1994 on Chicago Central was meeting a lead conductor....that's it, hang with him for 6 weeks....glad I'm out, took my buyout with CN and started a trucking company when trucking was still good, been bad for 3 years....I miss railway, but I'm threatened daily....it's sad the way the railway treats employees now....
I went down to Mcdonaugh for NS, and I had one hell of a time with the hang test. I failed the first two attempts and barely passed on the third. Any advice for training for this?
I'm not quite sure how they're teaching you or testing people over this. We didn't have a hang test at bnsf. they just taught us how to safely ride cars and motors.
@@RailsTailsandTrails You have to get on the ladder and hang with one arm for 90 seconds while doing hand signals with the lantern in the other hand, then you switch hands while doing it with the other hand. I thought it would be so easy, but at about the 60 seconds mark my legs started shaking and my arm was on fire. I guess I just need to find a place to practice. I thought about walking up to a stopped train as they are everywhere around here where I live, but I know that might be kinda dangerous. I guess I’ll have to find somewhere else to train. The thing is, you have to drive down to Atlanta, check in to the hotel, and the training starts the next day. The very first thing that they do is that hang test. You get three tries. If you fail the third time they immediately send you right back home. We had about 15 people that couldn’t do it. I just think people should know and be prepared for it, because you can’t even start the training until you pass it.
@@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime i think NS using a hang test as a legitimate criterion for hiring is straight BULLSH*T... in the real world no one would ever go for 90 seconds hanging on a car with one hand... that's totally unsafe... i guess the real question here is did NS teach you guys to hang on the car with one hand?... if the answer is no then they shouldn't be using that as a criterion for hiring... the union should be fighting against this
Thanks for all of your info and hard work on the videos. I received notice this morning that I passed my medical, etc. now waiting for the final letter. Home station will be Kansas City, KS. I am moving from FL. I look forward to working with all of you at BNSF. Stay Safe!
How long did the whole process take if you don’t mind me asking I took the exam and passed now waiting for an interview, also KS is super cool place just came back out of the oilfield there
@@jesusvillela4288 I think I applied in November I got the call to go to training in January but i had to postpone until February. I am now starting week 8 of 13. I wish you the best!
I have applied to become a CN conductor and have successfully passed all the fitness exams. Now, I am awaiting admission to the training center. I'm concerned about how the training process works and how challenging it might be. Could you share any insights or advice if you're familiar with this?
When I have a new guy I give them way to much information. They kinda get overwhelmed. I do it because I hope some of it will stick or make sense later in their career. We help because someday I might have to work with you
class starts in May, but I have 1 concern. I currently live about 1200 miles away from where the classroom will be Is there a living situation for training or should I expect to live in my car for 4 months?
Quick question sir , I am curious on training do we get paid weekly at BNSF or bi weekly ? And with the boot money they give you yearly do you get that after the 16 week training ? Or right away ?
You get a voucher that you take to the boot store. You get one voucher per year. I got my first set of boots the first week of class. One of the first things they had us do. We get paid bi-weekly at bnsf
To be honest bro this job takes a lot of time. However alot of the complaints that come are just a lazy feedback by doing a already pretty easy job. Most the time we sit down and get to do some cardio for a bit. The worst thing I've learned for myself is don't complain about someone if you don't wanna do it yourself. This jobs easy for most and I personally go hit the gym and go out places when I get off. But the worst thing about railroad is the trainers or engineers acting like they are hot shit instead of being a courageous open and honest trainer about others. Most the engineers are fat and lazy and take all kinds of crap they don't need and wanna tell everyone else to do shit they can't
I have an interview with BNSF for conductor trainee on the 16th, please any advice you can give would be AMAZING. Also I am very confident person so I believe I’ll do well. Would you mind reaching out or a way for me to contact you so I can pick your brain on what I should expect in the industry?
shoot me an e-mail jon@railtailsandtrails.com or join our discord. we have an awesome community of railroaders new and old that are happy to answer any questions you got
@Rails Tails & Trails I'm going thru the on boarding process with BNSF as we speak. I have my health assessment and drug screening tomorrow morning. My question is, is all the training done at your home terminal or do we go to the training center in Oklahoma?
I just come out of it, I think it’s stupid to send you on OJT and deal with being on call then first day back a 150 question test on what you went over the last day before OJT … just too much info at once
Got a conditional offer last week. My wife and I are trying to decide if I should make the change. I’m used to blue collar (came from steel industry) work and elements. Just need a realistic view of what home/work life is like the first few years. How many hours to expect a week, do new guys typically work nights after training? What does chasing work look like realistically? How often does furlough happen if you can only work at your home site? NEED HELP! older men 60+ from various industries are telling me to go (I’ll be 32 in Aug) got a wife got kids all under 18.
You will work all hours, no predictable schedule, and you will have to fight for a spot at times. Possibly even travel to chase work. My wife and I travel a lot to chase work. It's rough at times. Not going to bs you on that. Right now furlough predictability is chaotic at best. With the persuit of PSR by the carriers they're always looking to make board and job cuts. If you decide to go, be ready to fight for you jobs, be active in your union, and learn your craft and be safe. You WILL miss holidays, birthdays, and special events. You and your wife need to have a serious conversation about how dedicated you are to coming into a field that is pure chaos right now. It won't be easy, but hopefully changes will be coming. You have to make your own decision. If you do it, commit to it fully. Some will say don't do it, some will say to do it. Make your own decision bud.
Have to disagree on the safety part., no matter what railroad you work for the safety guidelines are mostly all the same. Having experience does help makes it easier for you to understand the job and the terminology. Your mind is in a good place you are just not coming off the right way.
Thank you for the great advise, I just submitted my application for Conductor Trainee position in Whitefish, Montana. I hope everything goes well for me.
I've never gotten motion sickness before. With that said it is not a smooth ride going down the tracks at 70mph. The smaller switch engines are even worse than the big road motors
I hope BNSF stopped the open book test. It made for certifying lazy conductors that didn’t want to learn and more people failed the open book test than when it was closed book
Everything you said sounds broad and vague, you didn't really say what you actually DO tasks like hooking up or disconnecting the railcarts,what kind of tools are used, how strenous is it? How are days different from one to another? Like comeon man we all know to fuckin be safe, follow rules, and ask questions
They're not hard if you study and pay attention. If you're one of the ones more worried about partying rather than treating it as a job then you're going to have big issues.
This trainer's advice can be applied to any job, especially one that has serious responsibilities. It's unfortunate that he has to state the obvious due to the fact that we have so many people who have become lazy and lackadaisical thanks to the socialist mentality that has been promoted in today's society. Excellent video!
Update Fall 2022 - All conductors, at least those on Northern ex-BN side) are going to BNSF TTC for 3 weeks at Overland Park KS (Johnson Community College/National Academy of Rail Science/NARS) and another week for review and final. On top of those 4 weeks, about 13-15 weeks at your home terminal with OJT.
Thank you for the advice. I got my Final Offer Letter last week and have a Jan 23rd start date. I'm currently in the dark, as far as what to expect, but ready to embark on this new path in life. Thank you for the info you have provided here 🙏🇺🇲👍
I start on the 23rd as well. Best of luck!
@@KingCaz01 awesome! Where are you training out of? I'll be in Los Angeles. Best of luck to you too👍
@@l.r.8637 I believe I’ll be out in needles,ca for most of the training
@PullinNoGirls congratulations! 👍I'm very excited but I'll admit I'm also nervous. TH-cam videos like these really help fill a lot of the unknowns and have helped me prepare a little bit beforehand. Wow needles! Best of luck to you and maybe I'll see you out on the rails. My name is Leo. Be safe👍
If you come from a short line railroad, your learned skills will benefit you as BNSF teaches you their way of working with them. It does matter if you worked for a short line railroad because that means that you're familiar with railroad operations. Some even run BNSF and Union Paific trains plus switching.
I'm on my week 8 and I gotta say, this guy is spittin straight facts
Thanks for the support Levi Bangs! Thanks for stopping and sharing!
update
This is Great advice for any profession.
First off I was a conductor for 8 months and a engineer for 13 years for CSX this is my mom’s phone I’m on but anyway you did a great job with this I hired on in 97 we attended school in Atlanta for five weeks strictly classroom before they changed the program then field training I would say it is intense but not impossible I was a underachiever in high school but at 24 with a new baby I got serious I did make a 100 percent on the entrance exam which set the bar for me personally I did listen in class I studied at night I got up early to refresh every morning and graduated with a 99.3 so let me tell you there is hope for everyone you get out what you put in and a 99.6 in engineer school so if you take it seriously and you better because it’s life and death sometimes and these people you work with are actual family you spend more time with them than your own family so your responsible for them so please take it serious but you can do it I would agree with everything you said one tip is your signals test write them on flash cards word for word period for period and start learning one or two every night you miss one word or one punctuation mark and your done
Just got hired out of the alliance Tx Terminal @ BNSF and this video gave me more confidence. Thank you
Respect
I will say, coming from another railroad with experience is a huge benifit. going from a short line to the UP. I openly talked with my trainers about other railroads. Had alot of good convos with guys about it but I didn't just come across as a know it all either. I kept that sponge mind approach and if you have a tip or some advice for me, I'm gonna take it and run. I did work with some guys that I had more experience then they had, specially in the yards. Worked one rcl switcher, I had more experience then both guys but I still listened to everything they had to say and absorbed anything they were willing to tell me. I hired out at a terminal my dad had worked at for 20 years so I unfortunately kinda had a treatment where once guys found out who I was related to, plus having experience railroading, I had to almost fight for training. I may not be brand new and I know how to switch but still give me tips and tricks.
Any of you old heads on here, i get that you've probably trained so many new people that you're sick of it but try to teach and give as much advice as you can. I didn't run a rcl till almost the end of my rcl ojt cause I got jobs with old heads and they were more focused on getting a quit then makin sure I was getting familirized with it. You new guys, don't be afraid to tell your trainers to pitch you the controls and let you run a bit. You won't regret standing your ground a bit that first time you're out there by yourself.
Fantastic video. I will view and listen to this entire video twice. As an employer (plumber) I expect a reply either verbal or other type of confirmation showing me that employee understood what I was asking for. Communicating we me was critical. Not that everything is about me or myself, communication is critical. One other quick comment here, use manners, don’t rip one in the truck w me and think it’s funny, use a cleanex or paper towel for a runny nose. Profanity is a sign of weakness and lack of brain activity. Gratitude such as “thank you sir “ goes a long way w most people, seniority or no seniority. And the last final titbit……. Clean humor without sarcasm or profanity will keep you hired longer than one might think. Thank you for reading my comment. Good luck to all my TH-cam fam. Applied for a laborer position in Sparks, Nv. As a laborer. Also, keep being the inspiration that you (the reader) are, people do look up to you, regardless of what you might think. Keep your head up!
My conductor school in 1994 on Chicago Central was meeting a lead conductor....that's it, hang with him for 6 weeks....glad I'm out, took my buyout with CN and started a trucking company when trucking was still good, been bad for 3 years....I miss railway, but I'm threatened daily....it's sad the way the railway treats employees now....
Really good stuff, thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Come take my class at UP! I have a very high pass rate because I teach a specific way to ensure retention.
Thank you Sir for the advice
My pleasure!
So if you fail the test do you get a chance to re take them or are you fired?
How much does a dra bar weight?
I have a tentative agreement with UP I gotta do the physical and strength test
I start training Monday, good ouck!
I went down to Mcdonaugh for NS, and I had one hell of a time with the hang test. I failed the first two attempts and barely passed on the third. Any advice for training for this?
I'm not quite sure how they're teaching you or testing people over this. We didn't have a hang test at bnsf. they just taught us how to safely ride cars and motors.
@@RailsTailsandTrails You have to get on the ladder and hang with one arm for 90 seconds while doing hand signals with the lantern in the other hand, then you switch hands while doing it with the other hand. I thought it would be so easy, but at about the 60 seconds mark my legs started shaking and my arm was on fire. I guess I just need to find a place to practice. I thought about walking up to a stopped train as they are everywhere around here where I live, but I know that might be kinda dangerous. I guess I’ll have to find somewhere else to train. The thing is, you have to drive down to Atlanta, check in to the hotel, and the training starts the next day. The very first thing that they do is that hang test. You get three tries. If you fail the third time they immediately send you right back home. We had about 15 people that couldn’t do it. I just think people should know and be prepared for it, because you can’t even start the training until you pass it.
@@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime
i think NS using a hang test as a legitimate criterion for hiring is straight BULLSH*T...
in the real world no one would ever go for 90 seconds hanging on a car with one hand... that's totally unsafe...
i guess the real question here is did NS teach you guys to hang on the car with one hand?... if the answer is no then they shouldn't be using that as a criterion for hiring...
the union should be fighting against this
Just passed my assessment today! Looking forward hopefully to an interview! This information was very insightful thank you!
Me2 i have interview on 10th
Did you get your interview?
@@nicsac9788what was on assessment?
Thanks for sharing
Great video!
Great video thank you!!!
Thanks for all of your info and hard work on the videos. I received notice this morning that I passed my medical, etc. now waiting for the final letter. Home station will be Kansas City, KS. I am moving from FL. I look forward to working with all of you at BNSF. Stay Safe!
How long did the whole process take if you don’t mind me asking I took the exam and passed now waiting for an interview, also KS is super cool place just came back out of the oilfield there
@@jesusvillela4288 I think I applied in November I got the call to go to training in January but i had to postpone until February. I am now starting week 8 of 13. I wish you the best!
Yay can't wait!!!!!!
Do you guys still change out draw bars on the road?
Big thumbs up. 👍 I noticed you went back on some videos and enhanced them. Nice work!
If you’re single and are willing to work 90% of your time and travel to find work, and have a second job to fall back on…this may be a career for you.
Hi my name is Jimmy Aranda I have an interview with bnsf for a conductor training on Thursday February 1st
good luck
Thanks I've been watching a lot of your videos they been very helpful do you have any advice for me
@@jimmyaranda5892how is it going
Teachers can only teach if someone wants to learn.
@GoingGreenMom say it again fam!!! SAY THAT AGAIN!!!!
I have applied to become a CN conductor and have successfully passed all the fitness exams. Now, I am awaiting admission to the training center. I'm concerned about how the training process works and how challenging it might be. Could you share any insights or advice if you're familiar with this?
What were the fitness exams like? I’m applying with CP and looking for some insight
First thing I had to learn is how to drink. First time I ever worked at a place were can get fired for being hung over
When I have a new guy I give them way to much information. They kinda get overwhelmed. I do it because I hope some of it will stick or make sense later in their career. We help because someday I might have to work with you
class starts in May, but I have 1 concern.
I currently live about 1200 miles away from where the classroom will be
Is there a living situation for training or should I expect to live in my car for 4 months?
You’re on your own. There’s zero help for lodging as a new hire.
Quick question sir , I am curious on training do we get paid weekly at BNSF or bi weekly ? And with the boot money they give you yearly do you get that after the 16 week training ? Or right away ?
You get a voucher that you take to the boot store. You get one voucher per year. I got my first set of boots the first week of class. One of the first things they had us do. We get paid bi-weekly at bnsf
Thankyou man I appreciate it
Bi monthly we get paid. Bi weekly usually is like every other Friday bi monthly is set dates like on the 6th and 21st.
i learned one thing real fast when i hired on conrail as a brakeman no 2 days are ever the same......
Open book??
I got my interview on 12/01/22
Good video. What you said is all common sense but we all know there is a lack of that with some people.
Ain’t that truth
To be honest bro this job takes a lot of time. However alot of the complaints that come are just a lazy feedback by doing a already pretty easy job. Most the time we sit down and get to do some cardio for a bit. The worst thing I've learned for myself is don't complain about someone if you don't wanna do it yourself. This jobs easy for most and I personally go hit the gym and go out places when I get off. But the worst thing about railroad is the trainers or engineers acting like they are hot shit instead of being a courageous open and honest trainer about others. Most the engineers are fat and lazy and take all kinds of crap they don't need and wanna tell everyone else to do shit they can't
How old were you when you started on the railroad? I am young 52 and am in the hiring process for UP now.
Hey man sorry took so long to get back. I was 38 when I hired on
@@RailsTailsandTrails all good, your busy, I can certainly understand that…. Great content, keep it coming
How'd it go, I'm about to start 11/7....
@@RailsTailsandTrailsI was 19 when I started with the BNSF.. 46 years ago...👍👍
Can you apply to work at a terminal out of state?
yes you can. they'll just expect you to move
I have an interview with BNSF for conductor trainee on the 16th, please any advice you can give would be AMAZING. Also I am very confident person so I believe I’ll do well. Would you mind reaching out or a way for me to contact you so I can pick your brain on what I should expect in the industry?
shoot me an e-mail jon@railtailsandtrails.com or join our discord. we have an awesome community of railroaders new and old that are happy to answer any questions you got
@Rails Tails & Trails I'm going thru the on boarding process with BNSF as we speak. I have my health assessment and drug screening tomorrow morning. My question is, is all the training done at your home terminal or do we go to the training center in Oklahoma?
How do I apply for this position in Southern California close to LA?
Look up the railroad websites In Your area and see if they’re hiring
@@RailsTailsandTrails Thank you! I just applied to Union Pacific for a train crew position!
I just come out of it, I think it’s stupid to send you on OJT and deal with being on call then first day back a 150 question test on what you went over the last day before OJT … just too much info at once
Got a conditional offer last week. My wife and I are trying to decide if I should make the change. I’m used to blue collar (came from steel industry) work and elements. Just need a realistic view of what home/work life is like the first few years. How many hours to expect a week, do new guys typically work nights after training? What does chasing work look like realistically? How often does furlough happen if you can only work at your home site? NEED HELP! older men 60+ from various industries are telling me to go (I’ll be 32 in Aug) got a wife got kids all under 18.
You will work all hours, no predictable schedule, and you will have to fight for a spot at times. Possibly even travel to chase work. My wife and I travel a lot to chase work. It's rough at times. Not going to bs you on that. Right now furlough predictability is chaotic at best. With the persuit of PSR by the carriers they're always looking to make board and job cuts. If you decide to go, be ready to fight for you jobs, be active in your union, and learn your craft and be safe. You WILL miss holidays, birthdays, and special events. You and your wife need to have a serious conversation about how dedicated you are to coming into a field that is pure chaos right now. It won't be easy, but hopefully changes will be coming. You have to make your own decision. If you do it, commit to it fully. Some will say don't do it, some will say to do it. Make your own decision bud.
Have to disagree on the safety part., no matter what railroad you work for the safety guidelines are mostly all the same. Having experience does help makes it easier for you to understand the job and the terminology. Your mind is in a good place you are just not coming off the right way.
Thank you for the great advise, I just submitted my application for Conductor Trainee position in Whitefish, Montana. I hope everything goes well for me.
Best of luck!
I just turned mine in as well. I’m hoping I get the job
Do you get motion sickness?
I've never gotten motion sickness before. With that said it is not a smooth ride going down the tracks at 70mph. The smaller switch engines are even worse than the big road motors
Thanks, look forward to this Adventure. Start Monday the 7th.
update
Loving the job, learned a lot after I marked up. I’m in engine service now.
@@47nodoubt want any specific info let me know.
Also you need to have thick skin. It's a Brotherhood and the Initiation isn't easy if you get offended or busted on.
truth lol
I hope BNSF stopped the open book test. It made for certifying lazy conductors that didn’t want to learn and more people failed the open book test than when it was closed book
The open books exams make you think and look up the answers in the rule book
Everything you said sounds broad and vague, you didn't really say what you actually DO tasks like hooking up or disconnecting the railcarts,what kind of tools are used, how strenous is it? How are days different from one to another? Like comeon man we all know to fuckin be safe, follow rules, and ask questions
That video was answering direct questions from viewers sent in and wasn’t ment to be an all inclusive video. Thanks for stopping by
Just quit the railroad before you waste anymore of your life. BNSF used to be a pretty good railroad to work for. So glad I resigned.
It's crazy dont do it
Never met a sane railroader just to be fair LOL. We're all fucked up
Keep another iron in the fire, in case you want to quit.
Don't do it run away as fast as you can!!!
Run away from this industry as fast as you can.
Why
Yeah why
Calm down he has a family that’s all.
You still work for them?
I've never made so much money. I'm running towards the industry
Are the conductor test hard im which one has to score 90%
They're not hard if you study and pay attention. If you're one of the ones more worried about partying rather than treating it as a job then you're going to have big issues.
This trainer's advice can be applied to any job, especially one that has serious responsibilities. It's unfortunate that he has to state the obvious due to the fact that we have so many people who have become lazy and lackadaisical thanks to the socialist mentality that has been promoted in today's society. Excellent video!