r/Train_Service

Got called up for an interview for a electrician position,been in automotive industry for around 6 years and smoked pot , not heavy but normal use . I’m nervous if they tell me to do a drug test , I quit smoking since they called me . are they currently doing hair follicle and urine testing ?what are some tips someone can give me . This job will change my life and I’m willing to do wtv it takes

Hey guys thanks for taking the time to read this post! Just found myself in a weird situation here where I've been able to secure employment from both companies as a Conductor. But now I'm at a crossroads thinking about which one would be better long term; more so in regards to which one has more consistent work (less lay offs) from your personal experience.

Both terminals are major cities.

Thank you so much guys!

Curious as to what the history of furloughs looks like in Kansas City for conductors and engineers. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Just want to know if they do, how long the furloughs usually last when they do furlough, and who that affects. Engineers and conductors alike.

Winnipeg started calling back more conductors and trainees yesterday. Didn’t think it would be this soon after the zoom call last week…🤷🏼‍♀️

my understanding is CN employees have a “window“ they can be expected to work in, I’m not sure what happens if the train falls outside this window? how does it work for spare board employees?

I also heard that they might switch back to schedules? what happens if the train is late or early?

Anyone know if CN rehires ? I’m sure it’s not common amongst people. Just was wondering.

Hey everyone,
I currently work as a contract thermite welder on CN Rail’s network and I’m looking to make the transition to train conductor. I’ve been around the railway industry for a while now and I’m really passionate about making it a long-term career.
My question is: would it be better to pursue a conductor position with CN or CPKC? I’m based in Quebec, so both are accessible to me. I’m curious about things like pay, scheduling, seniority progression, working conditions, and overall job security.
Any insight from people who’ve worked at either railroad — or both — would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

So i got the initial interview on hirevue and today had the in person interview. i wanted to know if anyone knew what the process is after this. they told me it could take several weeks to move on to the next steps but my questions are. 1.) how do they contact you for moving on with the next steps? would it be by phone or email? 2.) when they say “several weeks” does it mean they can contact me within a couple weeks to a couple months? or does it mean i’ll be waiting a while before i hear anything back? or does it mean that the process of getting hired takes several weeks. i asked them they only explained it as “the next steps if you were to move on after this interview would be to lookout for a job offer, after that we schedule the background and drug test and after that you’ll be offered a hire date and start your training, which can take up to several weeks”

A few weeks ago I was coming into our passenger terminal on a proceed signal (the equivalent of Clear) and was surprised to find the next signal was at Stop. The speed limit is 10 and we run light trains, so I had plenty of time to stop but it definitely didn't feel right.

Thought it might be a bulb out or whatnot, so I called the dispatcher on the radio to let them know I went from Proceed to Stop. They kindly responded that they decided to hold me for an outbound train, not realizing that this could have been a major issue. The signal system is so old here I that I don't think they even have a time-out function, but there is a rule that dispatchers have to confirm with trains that they can stop before the signal can be changed.

It's honestly (and sadly) somewhat common in this terminal for dispatchers to drop signals on trains, and I've experienced it twice in the last 6 months. I'm 95% sure that the last signal was indeed a Proceed (not Approach Proceed or anything with the "be prepared to stop" qualifier) but of course there's a possibility I misremembered. I haven't reported it to anybody or even brought it up to the union, but it's been bugging me.

What would you guys do?

So I failed a pre employment drug test with BNSF I'd say about one and half maybe two years ago. (Stupid decision learned from it now) I want to apply with CPKC but their asking if I failed a DOT drug test in the past 5 years. Would that pre hire drug test pop up should I be honest or just say no? Noted I've been clean ever since so passing now wouldn't be an issue or concern.

Hello,

So as the title states, I am looking to switch my current career to being a train conductor, the only railroad in my area that I can go for is Amtrak and I had a few questions about getting hired after submitting the application.

For context my current career field is in Private Security and I have at least a minimum of 2 years experience in this field.

My official work history is as follows:
Restaurant Busboy - 5 years (pre-pandemic)
Theme Park Ride Operator - 1 Year
Expo Booth Attendant - 1 week
Parking Attendant - 3 weeks
Security Officer (Current) - 2 1/2 Years

I am in the LA Area, so I can get to Union Station for work when needed.

My main questions are:
Will my work experience be enough to be selected to move forward?
If I am selected, what if anything should I be doing to prepare/help me be able to get a conditional offer to work for the railroad I applied for?
Should I even consider trying to work for Amtrak at all?
What should I expect if/when I do get hired to work at a railroad with absolutely no transportation experience or railroad experience?

I appreciate everyone's responses to my question, thank you so much.

Looking into being the signal maintainer trainee position at Norfolk southern and wondering what’s it like in particular to the career stability and all that.

I am finding it quite difficult to get hired as a train conductor anywhere. Now, this isn't unexpected. I'm 18 and have no prior experience in the industry. But what's weird is that only 2 of my applications have been rejected- my BNSF application and my first CSX application. All the others have been completely unanswered for months from NS, UP, CSX, Genessee and Wyoming (several G&W railroads) and others. Does anyone have insight into what is happening and/or what I can do? I know that this process can take a long time but it's really got me on edge. Thanks.

Hello, I just received my start date with Norfolk Southern for my conductor training class. I was just wondering if anyone has any insight on some good boots to get? I usually just get cheap Walmart boots but I'm pretty aware those aren't going to cut it. Any insight is very appreciated.

Laid of CN worker for some time now in southern Ontario. Anyone getting any word on what it’s looking like for Sarnia London area?

Heard Trainees are coming back. Curious what terminals got a call back for the laid off trainees.

Seems to be a lot of qualified conductors still laid off. I’m assuming a lot of them probably aren’t coming back.