How tough is it to get a job for Union Pacific Railroad?

Question

How tough is it to get a job for Union Pacific Railroad?

Answer 1

i have a friend who works for them i hear it is very hard, the military helps

Answer 2

The UP, as well as any other railroad or other employer, is looking for the best they can get.

Rail transportation is tightly scrutinized when it comes down to the employees of the operating department.  If you have any problem at all with alcohol and / or controlled substances, you have 0% chance of succeeding (as well it should be).

Beyond that, a good understanding of basic math is required, but the more the better.  This is especially true if you have intentions of becoming a locomotive engineer.  In that eventuality, much more math understanding is necessary to really understand how air brakes, as well as other important parameters, come in to play.

These are desirable jobs, demanding, yet well paying.  While not as intricate as heart bypass surgery, it is absolutely necessary to be able to read and retain at college level.  If you can't, then you should have paid attention in English classes.

There was a time when nepotism was the only way to hire on with a railroad.  Though this is no longer so, it helps to know someone who works for the carrier.  Of course, it's even better if that someone has a good reputation on the property.

It doesn't do any good to "act arrogant".  That may get you the job, or serve to elevate self worth, but in the railroad world that will get you dead.  Of course "pretend" railroaders, wannabees or scissor-bills are most inclined to disagree.

As a footnote, "mt" stands for "empty", as in nothing in the car.  "X" indicates a load, as "wheelers" go.

Answer 3

judging by their safety record, all you need is a pulese

Answer 4

Some depends on what type of job you are looking for... management or labor.  Also there are swings in the railroad job market.  Sometimes it is extremely difficult to get hired.  Other times, they are on a hiring jag and hire larger numbers at a time.

Usually when you start with the railroad, you need to be prepared to work odd shifts and long hours.

Answer 5

When I got my job at BNSF they were very selective.  They do an extensive background check, and DO check your references.  If I remember correctly, convicted felons are not allowed to work for the company.  As HOGHEAD said, any substance abuse, you will not stand a snowballs chance.

If you aspire to become a locomotive engineer, (for BNSF, not sure for UP) if you ever get a speeding ticket, while an engineer,  and do NOT report it, then they could pull your card (you can not drive the train) for certain periods of time.

Don't act arrogant.  If they ask you if you know something... If you don't, say so.  This is one of the big things that the carriers do not like.  It goes along the lines of character.

If you do get a job, don't be an "oldhead" newhire.  Just remember, now is the time to get in there, most of the actual oldheads will be retiring in the next 3-5 years, so don't act like you know it all, the actual oldheads have been out there for (some of them) 30+ years.

There are a couple of them at the terminal that I work at, and noone likes to work with them.  Just sit back, and observe.  If you act like you know it all, and cannot take humility, it is possible that you could loose limb, job, or life.  

Great pay for the work performed.!!!!

Answer 6

My dad works there.  It is extremely hard to get on there if you don't know someone who can help you and vouch for your reputation as an employee.

Answer 7

Just act arrogant.  They'll think you already work there.

Top management really is the poster boys for hubris.

As the story goes, a plane crashed on a deserted island.  The only survivors were two women, two Frenchmen, two englishmen, and two UP officials.

The Frenchmen quiclky started makin' out with the women, the English stood around waiting to be introduced, and UP officials couldn't figure out to do and were still waiting to hear form Omaha.