Which would be better UP train service in Hinkle or BNSF conductor trainee in Seattle?

Question

I just got invites to two train service hiring sessions. I know I don't have any offers yet, but nevertheless, due to all the hoopla out there, I am wondering which place and company would be best for a new hire?

Answer 1

I got my start with BNSF (BN back then). But I think both railroads are good. Both have been around forever. Both are always upgrading and trying new technologies and are very modern. If you have the opportunity to choose here, I say base your decision on preferred location. Because I don't think one railroad would be better than the other.

Every railroad has its own humor. Hoghead claims that it takes three guys to throw a switch on the UP. BNSF guys claim you have to carry six knuckle pins in your grip at all times. CP Conductors say that their trips are spent lying down and hanging on to something. They also say that there are so many speed restrictions, the bugs on the windshield all fly away again. CN crews claim all their locomotives carry tire chains. The point is - go with the first opportunity. Or if it becomes your choice, go with location.

If you wish, E-mail me with your progress, or if you have any questions.

Answer 2

I have to agree with Derail.I think both company's are about the same as far as how employees are treated.I have friends that have worked for the BNSF and they complain about the same things we do!Rails are great complainers lol.So...all things being equal(kinda)I would decide where i wanted to live and go there.Hoghead is right,Seattle is a great city.Spent a lot of time there,but it is a high dollar place to live.Good luck with whatever choice you make.

Answer 3

Well,

either job will be good, the deciding factor should be where you want to live and raise a family.

In either case in 3 or 4 years, possibly less you will probably be offered a chance to promote to engineer.

I worked in Hinkle for 4 years, long time ago. It is a good terminal, mostly road assignments. I still have a lot of friends there.  

I remember when I worked on the UP there was a saying on almost every locomotive stating "hapiness is Hinkle in the rear view mirror"

Seattle is a great city if you can live in a city, I couldnt.

You have to like rain and cloudy skies, Seattle has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, largely becuase of the gloomy weather.

But if  you hit it on a nice sunny day, it is absolutely breathtaking, I have a lot of family in the Seattle area, and they love it, you coulndt chase them away with a stick. Visit each place if you can.

Answer 4

My animus for the UP aside, the carrier that I usually hear spoken well of is the BNSF.  Made many trips from our yard to theirs in Klamath Falls.  Well lighted, good footing, switches that didn't take three people to throw...  all in all I was always impressed with the condition of their yard.

I hear Seattle is a great town, big city aside.  For me, the only question I would have to answer for myself is, can I handle the rain?

Barring that, head north, my man.  Head north...