seven days a weekMay work nights, weekends, and holidays, since trains travel 24 hours a day, seven days a week. May work multiple shifts in one day. Choice of shift comes with seniority. May work odd hours and on short notice when working on freight trains.
Do train conductors get to go home?
“Ground-based conductors would have set shifts and return home every night, just as most other rail employees outside the locomotive cab do.”
Do train conductors get days off?
On most USA railroads the freight train crews, conductor and engineer, are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without any assigned days off work, once called to work at any time of the day or night, the crew is limited by government regulations and laws known as hours of service which is the train crew cannot …
What schedule do train conductors work?
Train conductors often work 40 hours a week. Both cargo and passenger trains run at all hours, requiring evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts. Pay adjustments for these periods vary depending on the employer.
What are the benefits of being a train conductor?
As a train conductor, your salary may vary based on several factors, including your location, employer, experience and education. Depending on the company where you work, your position may also come with various benefits, such as: Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. Retirement savings plan.
Do train conductors go home every day?
How many days are train conductors away from home?
Traditionally, conductors have been stationed within the locomotive cab, which often led to unpredictable work schedules and extended periods away from home. On average, conductors spent around 89 days away from home each year due to the nature of their work tied to train movements.
What is the average age of a train conductor?
The average age of male Railroad conductors & yardmasters in the workforce is 41.6 and of female Railroad conductors & yardmasters is 44.1, and the most common race/ethnicity for Railroad conductors & yardmasters is White.
How often do train conductors go home?
You can expect to be called for duty at any time – like 1 AM – work up to 12 hours, get the mandatory rest time, and be called again ASAP. That results in a 22 to 24 hour duty cycle, which can go on for 6 or 7 days before any mandatory days off apply.
Where do train conductors sleep?
Conductors do not sleep on trains. As operating personnel they are awake for their entire shift, and can be on duty no more than 12 hours. At crew change points, they stay in hotels that the railroad has arranged for them. The same situation applies to engineers (in other countries, the “driver”).
How long do train conductors stay out?
On the other hand, for both passenger and freight trains, the conductors and engineers are not allowed to sleep on the train. Shifts range anywhere from 6-12 hours after which time you are allowed to disembark the train for a set rest period.
Is it better to be a train conductor or engineer?
Because train engineers receive additional training and typically have more experience than conductors, they may earn a higher salary. Consider your budget and cost of living to decide whether a lower salary is enough for your needs if you're considering becoming a conductor.