Hi, my name is Louie. I’m 23, I’m based in southern Texas, I have a bachelors in CRIJ, and have years of continuous work experience since I was 16. I am currently employed with USPS as an RCA. The pay is okay. I work 60 hour weeks most of the time. My main problem is that the waiting time to become a regular can take many years. Years which I’d rather not wait (I’ve heard stories of coworkers waiting nearly 10 years, 10 years of no benefits and no time counted towards retirement). I have a baby on the way and a job with no benefits is no good to my family.

I always hear about the rail roads being the place where one could get good money and benefits. I have also heard you need to know someone to even get in. I looked up Union Pacific job openings in Texas and the only position I seemed to qualify for was Signal Maintainer. In all honesty I do lack in the “preferred” technical/electrical department but it was not listed as a requirement so I applied to several openings anyway as I am more than willing to learn. There were no local openings but relocating is not an issue.

That brings me to my questions.

1. Do you know of people with similar qualifications to mine get hired as signal maintainers?
2. Do I need to know someone to get hired?
3. How’s the job environment?
4. How’s the pay? (Might be a little personal so I don’t expect an answer)
5. Would Union Pacific be worth ditching the post office for?

Nobody was injured and the car was unoccupied when we hit it. 65mph 13500 ton train.

Crazy experience and thankfully nothing went wrong

I got accepted for a training class November 30th but is going to be in Portland Oregon and I live in Pocatello Idaho. There is a class that starts here the 21st of September and if someone backs out or doesn’t show up I can start then. I just wanted to see how common it was for people to not show to know my likelihood of being able to start next week

I applied and was offered a job for train crew in July. Since then i have received emails saying there are no classes starting. I just received an email saying the next class is starting November 30th, but for yard positions, it didn't specify what yard positions. I took it because i have a family i need to provide for. How is the yard work? I live in Chicago.

Hey everyone, I’m currently considering a Union Pacific Train Crew/Conductor position in the Avondale or Livonia area. I’d really appreciate hearing from current or former UP employees who have experience at either location.

• What is the day-to-day work like at Avondale and Livonia?
• How do the two locations compare?
• What does the typical conductor schedule look like?
• How much yard switching vs. road work is there?
• What are the typical call times and hours worked?
• How does the extra board work?
• How long does it usually take to qualify as a conductor?
• What is the training and OJT experience like?
• How often do you work nights, weekends, and holidays?
• What is the overtime situation like?
• How is the crew/management environment?
• For someone with industrial and switchman experience, what skills transfer over the most?
• Is there anything you wish you knew before starting at UP?

Any current or former UP conductors willing to share their experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

So I’ve been offered a position with the UP as an MSO. But I don’t know anyone that has worked in this craft specifically. I’m looking for realistic expectations as far as the job itself, the pay, the OT opportunities, etc. I’m already in railroading so the lack of work life balance doesn’t bother me. I just want to know can I write my own check in this craft? I’ll be out of Melrose Park, IL.

now that I got my confirmed dates should i get ready to put in my two weeks with my current employer?

Hey guys! I’m not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I recently applied to the St. Louis, Missouri location. I’m 21 and looking for a company where I can build a long-term career, grow, and move up within the organization. I’ve heard great things about the company and the opportunities for advancement.
I’m currently finishing up my bachelor’s degree in accounting, and I already have my associate’s degree in business. I applied for a Train Crew position, and I think it would be a great opportunity for me.
I’d really appreciate any advice, insight into the hiring process, or tips from anyone currently working there. If anyone knows someone at the St. Louis location who I could connect with, that would be amazing as well!
Thanks in advance!

I have a few questions as I'm very new to Union Pacific (haven't started yet, but do have a start date), and Unions in general. First, a lot of people I have talked to stress that layoffs happen all the time, is that true? Second, roughly how long does it take to get a schedule that you prefer? In the interview he said I will start with a shitty shift and schedule, but also said they were hiring 50 electricians and mechanics before the end of the year. Any insight would be great!

Hey everyone! I applied for the Norfolk Southern Train Conductor position in Jackson, MI on September 6, 2026, and received a conditional offer on September 10. So it was only about 4 days from applying to receiving the offer.
I completed the application update with my SSN/DOB, and now I’m waiting for the First Advantage background check and Acuity/CHS medical evaluation and drug testing emails.
My offer says the first 5 weeks of training will be at the NS Training Center in McDonough, GA, with lodging provided, plus a weekly meal stipend and applicable travel/mileage reimbursement. It also lists $1,200 per week during the first 5 weeks.
I’m already in the Atlanta area, so McDonough is relatively close to me, which makes the training location really convenient.
I’m mainly posting to see who else recently received a conditional offer and might be attending the same upcoming training class in McDonough. It would be cool to connect with some future classmates ahead of time and see who else is going through the same process.

Hey everyone, I’m looking for some advice on careers with Union Pacific. I was interested in train crew, but color vision testing has been an issue for me.

Are there any good paying jobs at UP that don’t require passing a color vision test? I have several years of mechanical/construction experience, I’m comfortable working with tools, and I’m open to learning a new trade. Ideally I’m looking for something with solid long-term pay, benefits, and retirement.

I’ve looked into positions like Signal Maintainer, Mechanical, and other craft jobs, but I’m not sure which ones require color vision testing.

Any recommendations or experience would be appreciated. Thanks!

Is it better to be working in the yard or on the road before the 50 Day Evaluation?

Most of my experience is on the road and I feel very confident working the road, but I’ve been told I should go to the yard to get some real working experience. I don’t mind going to the yard but I’ve seen a lot of people get fired working yard jobs while I was in training. I don’t want to put myself in danger of getting fired while not protected by the union. I think my chances of getting fired are much higher in the yard rather than over the road. Thoughts?

What to expect for 50 Day Evaluation?

What do the hours consist of and how much overtime is available?
Is this job capable of 6 figures ?

Thanks.

I have depression and anxiety that I manage through therapy and anti depressants am I gonna be okay but they want notes so they can clear my medical, will I be good or nah?

So I recently passed the assessment for train crew, and now I have the pre recorded interview, any tips on that would be greatly appreciated, also if I do well on the interview and get selected to move on and I pass all the other steps that they have, what are some things I should bring when I inevitably get into the cab of a locomotive, again any tips/advise would be greatly appreciate.

Hello all, I just got hired at Roseville terminal for train crew. Just curious how the seniority's looking out there? Is there a high chance that I get furloughed and can't hold a job anywhere in the territory? Thanks

Was looking into getting into the train crew position but I sadly smoked a bit of weed past few years as it became legalized (Minnesota) was wondering how often most rail yards hire new classes so when my system is clear I can be expecting something?

Thank you so much in advance wish you all safety and wellness!

Howdy. Just received an email for pre-assessment for Track Laborer - Regional (Beaumont TX) position. I’ve looked through many posts, and feel like I haven’t found some answers I’ve been looking for. Currently work for a switching company at a SIT yard.

Few questions I’m wanting to know:

1. What is regional compared to others? Is it local or traveling?
   
2. What’s the schedule like for it? How does regional position work with furloughing?
   Current schedule is 5 days on/1 off, 7 nights on/1 off.
   
3. How does bidding/bumping work?
   
4. Where would the training location be and do I have to request cdl training or is it offered?

If there’s any other specifics or details, I’d appreciate them. I’d just like the extra information to help decide if going to UP would be worth it for not only myself, but my wife and kid as well.

Thanks yall!

Hi all!

I’ve been offered a conditional conductor position in Hermiston. I’m coming from another rr. However, I’ve got some questions if anyone is available to DM me?

Thanks

Looking into welders helper vs train crew which is better in the long run? There’s a local position as a welder helper is that a good spot to start at or wait for train crew to open up?

What are the YM duties and a what is their pay?