Tips and tricks to survive conductor ground school and the job
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- An overview of some tips and suggestions to help you thru conductor ground school, OJT, and mark up.
** comment below if you have any suggestions for new video content!!
Get a good grip. When I hired out I probably went through four bags in a year. I spent the big bucks, and bought a Red Oxx grip, and it has served me well for 18 years. Get good rain gear. When I was new I was working a very rainy twelve hour night in the yard, about three hours in my cheap rain gear completely failed. There is nothing worse working a long night soaked all the way down. I have a Carharrt da-glo jacket, and a pair of Filsson tin cloth bibs. Yes that stuff is expensive, but if you get the good stuff, it will pay dividends. Get good boots, and take care of them. Slap some leather oil on them about once a year. Get them resoled, it’s saves money in the long run. You don’t want to be caught out walking a train or humping the lead in soaking wet blistered up feet.
Here’s some tips for new hires to survive the industry from someone whose spent a little over two decades now working for UP (that just made me feel old to say) although these tips apply to all RR's.
1. No matter what you think about a given situation, don’t argue. You will be trained to know everything, yet will be babysat as if you’re an idiot who knows nothing. As infuriating as that sounds, it’s just the way it is. You never win an argument with someone who has power/seniority over you even if you’re right. Let the facts of a given situation do the talking for you. Arguing will put a cross hair on your future with the company. Do what you’re told and save your opinions for the car ride home.
2. Don’t take things personal if things don’t go your way. You’re not promised anything in this industry for long if at all with how fast things can change. Don’t whine about the job either. Rest assure no one wants to hear someone with less experience crying about what they've had to deal with for much longer then you. Plus it shows a lack of pride and seriousness about the job that puts you on the radar of everyone you don’t want to catch the attention of.
3. Listen to those who have more experience then you and be able to adapt quickly without grievances. Yes you might know the rule books cover to cover, but on the job experience matters more then book experience any day of the week. Rule books teach you the rules. They DON’T teach you how the industry evolves over time or how different personalities within a company can effect things. If someone above you says something, they are saying it for a reason. Listen to them. Chances are they are looking out for you anyway.
4. No one likes it or wants to hear this but accept and EXPECT vast sweeping changes because they WILL happen whether you like it or not. Your opinions about them mean absolutely nothing. Changes are part of the industry and can happen at ANY point in time, for ANY length of time, and can significantly effect everything. Adapting to change isn’t optional if you want to survive in this industry. Deal with it or find new employment elsewhere.
5. This is a BIG one that I feel not many talk about but save your money. Just because you’re making a health salary today doesn’t mean you will be tomorrow. Also, ESPECIALLY if you’re new in the industry, do NOT rush out and buy that brand new truck or house you’ve had your eye on the second you start getting big paydays. If something happens, you new guys are the first ones to go. DON’T run yourself into debt before you’re confident that your job’s security will be there to dig you out of a financial hole. I know it’s tempting to start spending money once it starts coming in but do yourself and your family a favor and save your money!
6. Never think you’ve learned it all and that you can finally slack off a bit. New rules are ALWAYS being created or modified and it’s VERY easy to miss something and end up being fired or worse yet getting someone hurt or potentially even killed. Rules ALWAYS change. You never know as much as you want to think you do.
7. You’re ALWAYS being watched. Rest assure, no matter where on a particular subdivision you are, some way, somehow, someone is ALWAYS watching you to make sure you are following the rules. Don’t think because you’re out of sight that you can let your guard down. Especially if you work for a Class-1 you are literally on the verge of being stalked by management at times looking for rule breakers so they have an excuse to get rid of you. Even more so these days with PSR being the rule rather than the exception. Companies need fewer employees by the day and management is scouring every crew pool looking for any excuse to get rid of people. Banner tests are a great example of this. Always do the job with the expectation that you ARE being watched and need to prove that you’re competent and can follow the rules even if you’re in the middle of nowhere. ANY infraction WILL be noted and used against you regardless of your seniority.
8. Think of working for the railroad, like being enlisted in the military. You’re trained, your competent, you know what needs to be done, but you’re also simply a nameless part of the machine that is this industry. Don’t expect to standout or get special treatment. You earn your stripes in this industry the same way you do in the military through working smarter, not harder, and through many years of dedication. Your careers value will ALWAYS mean more to YOU then it will to anyone else. Especially management because the company ALWAYS comes first. So whether you’ve been on the job six months, or a decade, don’t think you’re invincible because you’ve got seniority. You work FOR the company, the company DOESN’T work for you. If you remember nothing else I’ve said here, remember that last line. It carries more weight then anything else.
Stay safe and good luck.
good list... #7 is the one i had to giggle at because it is SO TRUE... i hired on with the chicago and northwestern back in 93, plenty of efficiency tests were pulled... officers hiding in the weeds in a curve waving a fusee trying to bust a pool crew... asking me as i was switching in the yard, to tell the engr to back up 10 cars and not to say anything else... they even pulled an efficiency test on a dispatcher by having the condr read back his track warrant incorrectly to the dispatcher to see if he/she would catch the mistake... yea it's something you have to get used to if your a new guy... it was a puzzler for me as a new guy as to why the company looks at the workers in such an adversarial light
This is so true in so many ways, I’ve seen so many new hires come and go.
Interesting to see how Canadian and American railroaders are indistinguishable in so many ways. Point 5 is something I try and drill into the new hires, there is no guarantees of future employment (although CN has started "retention boards" because they are tired of spending $100,000+ to train a new trainman only to watch him/her refuse recall because they have a new job and a life). In 32 years I spent 2 years laid off at the beginning except for spare work here and there. One thing nobody wants to talk about, my brakeman class in 89, the Rule Instructor looked around the room and stated "half of you won't be working here by this time next year and one of you won't survive till retirement". Three weeks later my classmate Wes was killed during training.
@@GordonComeau "killed during training"... what the hell happened?!??!?!?!?
@@25mfd They were switching "Nechako Mike's" sawmill, just outside the town of Vanderhoof, British Columbia. The Conductor doing the training was 30+ years, the L/E was Wes's neighbour and friend. They shoved in to grab some loads, when they went to pull the loads, the Conductor got on the side of the box car with a high ladder and went up a few rungs, Wes was delayed a few seconds lighting a smoke. When he hopped on a car there was only a short ladder, not a problem, until it became apparent that the Conductor got up high because there was a loading ramp (restricted clearance) that he needed to get above. Wes was unaware of the ramp or need to get higher up a ladder, his lower legs entered the 4" gap and it rolled him to mid torso. Took him 5 hours to die. The last words he uttered were "are my legs still there?" The L/E was devastated, he had encouraged his young neighbour and friend to hire on, and the Conductor spent the rest of his career suffering from PTSD symptoms and guilt. He had not explained the need to get on a higher ladder, just assuming Wes would do exactly what he did. Some people shouldn't train. For those of you training, trainers vary a great deal in their ability, ALWAYS keep your eyes open. They do a better job with training now than they did then but we still lose the occasional trainee.
Interesting video. Lots of good info. When I went to the hiring meeting, there was around 200 people in the room. When the Director of HR said the drug test was stringent and they would be taking hair samples of people they were interested in, he then said it was break time and if you had used any kind of drugs in the last year, you don't need to come back from break. Half the people didn't come back from break. I was amazed.
What is the status of the covid vaccine? Is there a religious exemption? Where do you supply one.
This (all of it) is legitimately very interesting, insightful, helpful, and I thank you for it. Your video about week one, pulled up in the suggestions next to the introductory one from NS. Though I'm not looking into it right now, I had considered conductor/engineer for a while, and am still on the job notifications list for NS and others still, and one for conductor in Moberly her in Missouri came in and this turned into a sort of rabbit hole situation. I don't think I've seen anyone do it like you are here, and I really appreciate it.
Very good advice. Homework is a must. We did signals one night for about 2 hours. The rest was on you and you must take signals practice test everyday to help you understand. At my home terminal we had to carry gcor binder plus all our other books. Knowing foreign road information is hardest part of you have to do that. However, most ns terminals only run on their line or one other line. We had to know every other class 1’s and roughly 21 different yards. Also if you live in cold environment and good winter coat is a must. You can buy ns jacket and it’s very good. I’ve worked in 100 degrees all the way down to -54 with the wind chill -32 without wind chill.
you mentioned knowing other railroads yards, that's tricky... some roads won't even let a foreign road in their yard without a pilot, (like on a yard transfer job)... too easy to get into trouble depending on how big the yard is... i'm sure guys have gone down the wrong track and popped out on a yard lead that they ain't even supposed to be on and there's a switch engine kicking cars right on top of you and you're like WTF!?!??!?... yea you gotta be VERY careful with that
@@25mfd for us as a conductor trainee we had to make three trips in or out of each yard snd we were considered qualified 🤣🤣. Any new yard after we were marked up and they said if you have a map you are qualified 🤦♂️🤦♂️. Both RR’s had to agree to it but one yard did give us a pilot two times then we were qualified. I ran to Chicago so many yards were big. Proviso UP, Bensenville CP, BRC, etc... I worked out of a big yard so I was comfortable but if you came from a small terminal, holy cow. Many a nights I heard newer crews asking for clarification and rightfully so. Most of the time the general or yardmaster were very cooperative. One train that’s confused can plug up a whole nights worth of work. Plus, as you mentioned accidents are right around the corner. Always loved 3-4 crews working on the same channel trying to build a train or drop one off. Can make you want to pull your hair out.
@@ohboy2592 three stinkn' trips and your qualified!?!??!?!??!... yea that sounds like the railroad LOL... Railroad: "can you spell yard" you: "yes" Railroad: "congrats, you're qualified"... WTF?!???!?!?... LOL
Thanks for these videos helped me pass in McDonough
Thanks so much for the tips! It has been a big change for me (even though ive been on the road for mining/oilfield). It is going along fine so far
Really learned a lot from you hope to get out there soon
0:30 The big first enemy you got sometime is yourself or your own mind, the best way to succeed anything in life is to grab a paper and to write your GOALS, ask yourself everyday WHAT IS MY GOAL..? I guarantee you that maybe you can have a bad day and anyway you gonna be happy cause you got a goal to succeed, nothing will bother you as soon you can see how your bank account grows every week and you will reach with that motivation anything in life, repeat to yourself "if I can take it I can make it" everyday and place the imagination that you reach your goal, that is going to keep you positive at any situation in life, THAT'S THE WAY I DO EVERYDAY, greetings to you from Virginia, The United States of America
Very interesting and informative. What’s a brake stick? Thanks
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I just got my offer a few days ago and was curious as to what to expect. School sounds like firefighter school up here so I don't think I'll have too many issues there. Anyhow thanks again.
Thanks man... in McD right now... your videos were way helpful and have talked me off the ledge a few times :)
Kunu Moe hang in there, it gets better! Just get through training and you’ll see.
Anthony Farrell 100 on signals and now in serious sweat mode... A-6 and the final.
Kunu Moe the signals test was the hardest part, all downhill from there. I’m guessing you guys are done this week? Or do you have RCO next week? Take the final exam practice exam much as you can over and over.
Anthony Farrell I’m RCO... you were right... practice tests made all the difference. Final in the morning. Was deer in the headlights two days ago... think I should be ok after 50 practice tests and great guys in the group (A lot of us studied together). So yup... you have the timing right... another week... unless tomorrow doesn’t go as planned lol.
Kunu Moe it’s an 80 to pass..that’s a lot to miss. You’ll do fine!
I can't find anything about the physical testing at training. Just something about the hang. I'll rewatch some videos.
Thanks for the Info, Just had my second interview
@Andrew On hold right now, no movement. Not a no or yea, so waiting, Thanks
For drug testing is it true they do a hair follicle?
@Andrew NS contacted me by Email me Thursday to apply for a pacific location, that has to be good news
@@yourboythug_6812 yes so Iv heard
Thanks a lot ,your videos are packed with good to know stuff. But one last question,may be the least of most people concerns. I have a brand new pickup truck and hate to get the insides all smudged. How dirty is the railroad? I mean do they have a place I can change clothes after work?
I know you don’t work for NS anymore and I do appreciate you making the videos that you have. I do have a question though; you said to make sure to pack plenty of food to eat on shift since the train can’t really stop somewhere for you to grab food but what do you do when you end up staying the night out of town? Did you pack for two shifts or so when you left the previous day? Thanks.
Door dash or grub hub was my friend when staying overnight or during the day somewhere. Typically once we were called for our train home and our ride got there, we stopped at a store or gas station to pick up food for the trip before we reported to the yard.
Anthony I enjoy your videos, when the railroad conducts a background check what do they look for, are they wanting to see no criminal convictions or can you have a few misdemeanors? Asking for a friend.
Bro you were super hype and sounding like a conductor trainer to jus quit I thought you would have stayed if anything! But it’s a great channel brother
Hey bud 1st live the videos they are very helpful another thing how do ns look at folks with sleep apnea? I have an offer for the Danville to linwood district doing my physical on the 29th.
Just joined your site I also just had a interview with ns for Conductor
How is it going
Railroading is basic common sense but you'd be surprised the short cuts people will take that will cost them their job or life. Follow the rules and if you're not sure about something ask don't ever assume. The equipment doesn't care it only takes a split second and it could cost you your life.
What is the difference between HB Conductor and just Conductor? I have seen both positions posted.
How many actual signals are they're? And if possible could you share with me what they are?
Waiting for NS to review my background check and schedule physical. I’m excited to start but I’m nervous about all the signals especially because NS uses different systems. Is this something I should worry about or are they actually pretty easy?
How'd it go for ya
Hey buddy, I love your videos. My question is, does NS have some sort of uniforms? Or work clothes that they wash for you?
No bahahaha
Appreciate the videos. My question is, will they assign you to a division near your home.
You get assigned to the terminal you are hired out of.
I did my video interview with csx a week ago. How long does it usually take to get a job offer if they want to hire you?
steel toe boots are not required?
If you had to do it all over again, would u do the job?
Can you get fired for stuttering sometimes on the railroad ?
Where do you use the bathroom probably a dumb question
Locomotives have a toilet. Super small but it’s in the nose
@@BOtto23 when ur not riding side of cart where are you chilling at
In the loco. I start NS in two weeks
@@BOtto23 heck ya I applied yesterday, is the loco good size or is everyone up front
Depends on the loco but the cab is where everyone sits. The rest behind the cab is motor and mechanical
Can you bid to different cities/stations?
William Scott you bid jobs at your terminal. You have to transfer to get to different terminals
How hard is it to transfer?
William Scott im not sure with NS but csx is based on seniority or if they need help
Vaugn thanks I appreciate it.
Yes you can bid to other terminals if they are in your district. I was able to bid 4-5 different terminals if I held seniority there and able to get there in 2 hours. You don’t have to transfer to hold a job at a different terminal.
Do you get paid while in training?
What did the hang test consist of?
Hang test is designed to test your upper body endurance riding a rail car for an extended period of time doing a movement. You climb up a static set up that mimics the side of a rail car and you hang on with one hand while using your other arm to give lantern signals. You do that for a minute and 20seconds then switch arms. The time doesn’t sound long but when your doing it, it feels alot longer.
Do a pay video
@anyhony Farrell is there any way to get in touch with you? I was just hired at NS and had a few questions
@Anthony Farrell
Thank you for the information, I am currently down in Georgia for training. I'm struggling with how to read signals. Can you do a video help with understanding how to interpret them regardless of which set of signals you have. Thanks
so how are you making out on your signals so far???... one tip, red over any favorable signal (green or yellow) the FIRST word will ALWAYS be "diverging"
@@25mfd passed my signals exam , now I'm working for NS . It is a little bit different seeing signals on the rail instead of on a piece of paper lol
@@michaelvickery5753 congrats... and yea it's different to go from the class room to the real world... so how do you like it so far??? are you on the road or the yard???
@@25mfd so far I like it the schedule can be a challenge . Right now I'm working on local routes servicing industry's. You working for NS
@@michaelvickery5753 i was a switchman for the chicago and northwestern/U.P.... hired on back in 93, resigned in 04... and yea the work schedule is "different" lol... it took a while for me to get used to being on call
Are the test hard?
Have you been furloughed yet?
DIG GER nope still working pretty steady
"Railroad talk" just recently was called back to work after being furloughed for several months
This is what I wanna know. I work for UP and I’ve been furloughed off and on for the last 3 years. I thinking about moving home and joining NS.
You forgot the color of the pens...BLACK!
Analogue watch
why would ns crews run amtrak
They share tracks
They basically own the track but you got to get certified on their track to service the industries because what it boils down to they don't wanna deal with switching it.
How to work at the railroad......... Don't
Hey im just here trying to find out if they hire felons
@
What's ground school 🤣
You talk about safety but you never have your seatbelt on!
it's okay... he ain't moving
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