Are there currently height and weight standards for working in the railroads?

Question

I am a big guy getting out of the army. I am 5 foot 8 inches and 225 lbs. I have no injuries, young, and am athletic. Unfortunetly, I was diagnosed with thyroid disease recently and gained a few pounds after my last deployment to Iraq. It does not have any impact on physical labor for me, but I gained some extra weight because of it. Could this possibly keep me from getting a job with any class 1 railroad? I have a NS interview here soon and am worried about it. I appreciate any answers you can give me.

Answer 1

First, I would like to say Thank You for your service.

No, not really as long as you are healthy enough and strong enough to do the work and pass the physical, you can be considered.

If you are so short you cant change a knuckle or climb onto the low step on a freight car you cant go to work, just because it wouldnt be safe.

From what I see in your question, I can see absolutely no problems, relax and dont let this issue be a concern.

Answer 2

try to lose some weight so there won;t be a problem plus you atre trying to get a job thats worth the time and worth the effort to do so wish i had the chance you had also try csx they hire to remember you are a vet

Answer 3

First of all, railroads are looking for young, intelligent, physically fit people with a proper communistic sense of humor.  It also depends on the occupation.  Whatever the case, WITHOUT LYING, do not tell them too much on your application.  Your appearance is the most important unless you put something derogatory on your application, which is actually a pretty-thorough document.

Unlike truck driving, railroads presently do not require a D.O.T. physical.  That is because railroads -- in MOST cases -- is considered "private property".  Drivers on the highway are on "public property" so they must take physical exams specified by the Department of Transportation (DOT).  Few railroads have height and weight restrictions, which is how many transit bus companies operate.  Truck drivers, however, must submit to heigh and weight ratio qualifications, and, besides, overweight people tend to be diabetic.

You never stated what craft you wanted to enter.  Train service?  Clerical?  Mechanical?  Each has a different hiring criteria.  The most physically restricting is in the "operating department".  Probably the least restricting is in the clerical department.

If you can get into the military, you probably will be accepted on a railroad, but they are looking for "the right attitude".

former locomotive engineer

Answer 4

I am not aware of any height or weight restrictions. Please go to your interview with confidence. Also, the NS maybe a "military freindly" employer. Ask. I know CSX is. You may get some type of "credit" for your years of service or the level you are at in the service i.e. being hired at slightly higher level than others. This is possible but not guarenteed.

Answer 5

Yes, you can't have more than 39,000 pounds on each wheel, and no more than 19 feet above top of rail.

Oh.  YOU!   If you're athletic, I think you're fine.  RR's aren't the army, though they share some culture. (among them the near obsession with drug-free workplace.)  Oh, speaking of that, prescription meds can sometimes be an issue, mainly if it has warnings about drowsy/heavy machinery etc.

Answer 6

I am not sure about how it works in the states, i'm actually working as a Class A railway worker in Turkey. I hope someone will help you out there but basically they don't care about your weight and height, I worked with a guy 2 metres long and at least 120 kg. heavy. He was doing his job. But they are very sensitive about your senses, I mean eye and ear and all.

I think that these guys must really recognize priority for those who have fought for them (even if i don't appreciate the war.)

Answer 7

As far as I am aware your height and weight are not an important factor in the hiring process for Class I railroads (or any railroad).  As long as you are healthy and capable of doing the required labor (which it sounds as if you are more than capable of), that's all that they ask (railroading can be tough work, out in all types of weather and lifting heavy materials, so it's definitely not for everyone).

Best of luck with your interview, I'm sure you have just as good of a shot of getting hired as the next candidate.