Do train conductors have to travel?

The job. As a train crew member, a conductor travels to various locations with the train, ensuring the safe arrival of cargo to its destination. Responsibilities include switching cars, making or splitting up trains in yards, or moving cars between yards, sidings or tracks.



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May 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.

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Conductors work long days (anywhere from 11 to 13 hours, typically), they have to maneuver heavy machinery in sometimes terrible weather conditions, and they can't really plan time off for birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. A former conductor told Reddit: “It is a career that kills marriage.”

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Freight train conductors can't listen to music, books on tape, or do anything else that could potentially help them stay awake. Each freight train has two crew members, a conductor and an engineer.

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As an Amtrak Conductor, you may be on-call 24 hours 7 days a week, which may include nights, weekends, holidays or on-call for emergency situations. Work may require travel and time away from home, and you may have to report for duty twice in a 24-hour period.

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Q: Am I really on-call 24/7, 365 days/year? A: Yes, you are technically on-call 24/7, but you are allowed to book 24 hours' rest after travelling. During this time, you are not expected to work. You are also entitled to book your vacation and request for personal days off with approval from your supervisor.

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It's against the rules on CSX and probably most railroads. I know of one case where a conductor got time off for a violation although it's not enforced very strictly,especially if both crew members are smokers. It's against the rules on CSX and probably most railroads.

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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.

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Over the years, the number of employees assigned to each freight train in the U.S. has gradually been reduced from five to the current standard of two, an engineer and a conductor, with exceptions for some short distance operations that already require only one person.

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Train conductor work environment Train conductors usually work in shifts, which may occur during non-standard hours. They often work evenings, weekends and holidays to accommodate the train schedule. They might have irregular schedules and different days off each week.

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Train conductors and yardmasters frequently: Sit for long periods of time. Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Repeat the same movements.

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The responsibilities of a conductor or guard typically include the following: Ensuring that the train follows applicable safety rules and practices. Making sure that the train stays on schedule starting from the stations.

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The conductor is responsible for door control and observation and is located in the rear cab of the last car in a train.

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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”).

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Conditions vary widely, since there are lots of older locomotive running around out there. The engineer sits on the right side of the engine cab, while the conductor/brakeman/person sits on the left side.

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Shift work and irregular hours: Conductors may be required to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, which can disrupt personal routines and social life.

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Salary Ranges for Train Conductors The salaries of Train Conductors in the US range from $13,808 to $373,999 , with a median salary of $66,833 .

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Highest paying cities for Conductors near United States
  • Tampa, FL. $29.55 per hour. 8 salaries reported.
  • San Antonio, TX. $28.16 per hour. 12 salaries reported.
  • Houston, TX. $27.01 per hour. 35 salaries reported.
  • Kansas City, MO. $26.82 per hour. 18 salaries reported.
  • New York, NY. $24.96 per hour. ...
  • Show more nearby cities.


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Freight train engineers typically bring their own meals or purchase food at train stations or nearby convenience stores.

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