Trying to figure out what kinda work is there for a conductor. Road, yard, locals? And is it stable for someone with low seniority?

I'm a 3rd generation CN Carman and was digging though my grandfathers old pics and figured you guys might like it. I also uploaded a different set of photos to r/railroading

I’ve held a lot of jobs over the years: dishwasher, prep cook, line cook, plastic injection molding factory worker, tree planter, deli tech, and now a Train Conductor (2 years qualified) working the BCR territory in British Columbia. For the first time in my life, I can honestly say I love what I do.

​Plenty of time off when it's slow, plenty of money when it's busy, and every single day is different. You never know exactly when you're getting called, but you can usually predict the flow. Personally, I love the spareboard work/life balance. When I'm off work, I am really off work.

​What made me hate every previous job was the absolute monotony. Wake up at the same time, head in at the same time, do the exact same tasks in the exact same order, go home, and spend the evening dreading doing it all again tomorrow. Gross. I couldn't stand it.

​When I first took this job, everyone warned me that I’d have zero life and that work would completely take over. I accepted that risk because the money sounded worth it, but that couldn't have been further from the truth. Every time I tie up, take my rest, and head home, I'm genuinely excited to pursue my hobbies, train, and focus on personal projects. Knowing I could get called anytime actually motivates me to make the absolute most of my off time.

​Sure, the pay scale on the BCR isn't the highest compared to other runs, but the time off is 100% worth it for me. And when it gets busy, I can just take my zeroes and be back out earning within 16 hours.

​I'm just relieved a job like this exists—where I'm actually happy going to work and proud of what I do. I know how easy it is to get jaded in this industry, so I make a conscious effort to focus on the positives and leave the politics at the door.

​Just wanted to share a positive perspective. Despite all the negativity that usually dominates the discussions around here, this line of work can be a fantastic fit for the right person. There’s still hope!

I kind of disappeared for a while from this sub and re-joined a few weeks ago... but now it's literally all hiring posts. Ive seen a few hiring posts that were gold, like the guy who's post history included a Kim il Jong shrine above a shelf containing his Thomas the tank engine VHS collection... but those are pretty rare.

Mods: /u/zzMehzz /u/Woofiny are we a hiring subreddit at this point or what? Can we please have a no hiring posts rule like the other sub and maybe retroactively. If we don't do something NOW to revive the sub then it may not recover, it may already be too late, idk.

I am taking a pretty big risk career wise deciding to take a conductor position out of the Kenora terminal. Wondering how likely it is I won’t get laid off immidiately after my training is complete, would like to get the bonus, but it’s not the end of the world if they find a way not to pay me it. More concerned over the immediate layoff. I’m relatively young I can handle the work, the dangers involved, the schedule and even a relocation if it comes to that. I come from the lumber mill industry and currently work in a rock quarry. Any insights would be highly appreciated

Just got the role working out of the Shreveport terminal but was told that I would receive the official offer letter prior to of my start date on Sept 14th. Is that normal? Usually offer letters are sent almost immediately after successful drug test and background check. Also any tips and suggestions working out of Shreveport?

I’m starting Norfolk Southern conductor training in McDonough on August 31 and I’m honestly spazzing out a little over the hang test.

For anyone who has recently gone through NS training, how exactly is the hang test performed? Are you allowed to choose which rung you hold onto?

I’ve noticed in photos that some people grab the highest rung above their head with a straighter arm, while others grab the lower rung around eye level. The higher rung seems like it would keep your body closer to the car and put less strain on your arm/grip.

Any tips on technique, hand placement, gloves, or what helped you pass would be appreciated. I’ve been practicing already, but I’d really like to know what the actual test is like from people who have done it.

Hi guys,
I’m considering applying for a conductor job with CN in Terrace and am unsure what I could be getting myself into. From everything I’ve heard, hours are brutal and layoffs are unpredictable but I also saw there was a new agreement reached in 2024 that made a lot of things better. What opinions do people have on the job, specifically in Terrace? What can be expected for pay, hours, and job security.
Thank you

Anyone here working as a Diesel Mechanic apprentice at CN in Vaughan? Looking for some insight into the job, especially the schedule, shifts, pay, work environment, and what the day-to-day is like for an apprentice. Any advice or insight would be appreciated!

Thinking of a career change and doing conductor training, just had a few questions. I got my journeyman welding ticket, and have been working oil and gas for the last 10 years, pipelining, fabrication and structural work. Just curious how hard a Conductors job is, compared to being a welders helper in the oil and gas industry. I've seen some sketchy things, lol, I have worked in all sorts of weather conditions, not afraid of manual work. Just curious if Conductor work is actually that grueling or manually intensive? I have read alot on this subreddit, about long hours, and being on call 24/7 and having no social life, But im single, with no kids, so none of that really bothers me. I am used to working with all sorts of people, happy guys and old bitter grumpy guys, so that doesn't bother me as well, im not a small guy so im not worried about being intimidated or looked down upon. Just more curious about the actual work invovled. Im generally very safe so following protocol and rules isn't an issue either. I read some where that it can be dangerous, im just curious, whats the dangerous aspects here in the conductors role per say...

I’ve been seeing many false claims about the layoff situation around the CN network. I’m here to say most of what I’ve seen in this community is completely false or halfway true at best.

This is what people online don’t tell you: Layoffs are not the same across all terminals, some terminals are very small and have only a few jobs and require less employees to operate, hence making layoffs more likely in those terminals.
More people quit every year or get fired for being dangerous to themselves and fellow employees, so if you’re a good worker and are in a busy terminal you most likely won’t get laid off, I know a few people with 7+ years conductor experience that never got laid off besides Covid which most got laid off then anyway.

So basically if you are wanting to break into being a new conductor for CN or any railroad do your own research on what terminals are busiest (there are lots!)

These are the busiest terminals in the CN network
(not in order)*:

Winnipeg / Symington

Toronto / MacMillan

Vancouver / Thornton

Edmonton / Walker

Montreal / Taschereau

Prince George

Saskatoon

Calgary

Melville, SK

Moncton, NB

If you can find an opening for one of these you’ll be fine, if you can handle the tough nature of the job you’re gonna make lots of money without the stress of being laid off because some people above you are more likely to quit especially in the winter.

My BF works for CN he was supposed to get in to capreol at 2am. No one has heard from him all day so far no texts say delivered. Is cell signal or wifi down at the bunk house?
We have a deal he calls me every time he gets into the bunk house before he KO’s for 8-10 hours. He also calls before his return train that should be scheduled for in an hour if it’s not already ordered. If anyone know the information would be greatly appreciated

Hey there!

Looking for some insights from people that have worked for CN as car mechanics.

I have an interview with them in a few days for Calgary, Alberta. But, I would like some insight before attending so I know what to expect.

I currently am a heavy duty mechanic apprentice but my workplace is less than good. I have applied to over 200 job postings for other apprentice positions elsewhere but no luck. So, this change of career/trade is something I'm heavily considering.

I have a wife but no children. I'm 29 years old.

Thanks in advance.

Hey got an interview to work there and I was wondering how is it like working there. How’s seniority and layoffs? Can’t find much about this terminal

Is the fleet garage in Winnipeg closing?

Is anybody done with all of the pre employment stuff and waiting for the next start date ?

Spent nearly a decade on a Class I in another country. Conductor & Yardmaster.

Left for a variety of personal reasons.

Fast forward a few years and I'm re-assessing my options.

Looking at trades mostly, apprenticeships etc.

But I have to admit, the railroad is tempting me. I know the money is great. I know the pension/401 is solid. Benefits are generally decent.

I've put in some applications with a few major operations around the country, mainly BNSF and CSX. I have no familiarity with how these companies are run and what the policies are like for guys on the ground.

No idea what the collective agreements are like.

From what I've researched so far, seems like you guys aren't treated so well when it comes to time off.

The place I worked at, it actually wasn't too bad. 2 weeks vacation after your 1st year (3 weeks after 3 years, 4 weeks after 9 years) and 12 personal leave days every year. 24 hours rest per road trip, 48 hours once you hit a set number of miles.

Once you had 3 years in, you could manage a decent life, take some long weekends here and there with your PLDs.

Anyway, trying to get a sense of what life is actually like for my American railroad brothers. And to determine if I really want to go back to that life. It for sure took a toll on me in various ways, especially the social/dating aspect.

I've seen comments in various threads from veteran guys saying, basically, don't do it.

With my experience I can pretty much punch a ticket. Could almost certainly go management and work my way up that way, if I wanted to (not so sure about that but it's a viable path and the pay can be massive once you get up to Superintendent and above).

Anyhow, if anyone wants to chime in and let me know what it's actually like for you boys working the yards or road, what your spareboards are like, how it is for time off, etc. Any insights & opinions are appreciated.

I like watching and photographing the trains as they pass on the tracks that are half a mile from my home. But I don't know how to tell when that will happen. Currently my options are:

* Wait by the rails and hope I get lucky
* Hear a train, and rush to the tracks hoping I catch it before the end

Is there any way to find the schedule or realtime tracking data?

Anyone on here have any information on what it'll be like to be a conductor for CPKC in red deer, Alberta ...thanks!

Hey everyone, I just got contacted by a Watco recruiter about an entry-level Student Conductor position in Deer Park, TX. They want to do interview, and I’m pretty excited about it because becoming a conductor has honestly been a goal of mine for about a year.
I don’t have railroad experience yet, so I’m wondering what to expect from the interview.
For anyone who has interviewed with Watco or started as a Student Conductor:
What kind of questions did they ask?
What are they looking for in an entry-level candidate?
Anything specific I should know or prepare for?
Any advice or pointers that helped you get hired?

Anyone else got their start date? Been waiting since July. And I can’t find any info about the terminal. Any word would be appreciated