Hello all! I'm brand new here, and I've applied as a track laborer in St. Joe, MO. hoping to eventually become a truck driver for BNSF. I've been a driver for about 21 years, but would like to work another 20 years for a company with a future!!!! Am I going the correct route by applying for a track laborer, then working into a truck driver spot? Or should I wait for a specific "truck driver" job to appear on the website, then apply? I'm not affraid of hard work, and know that a truck driver still does some grunt work. I'm also hoping that a CDL holder could stay busy all year around even though "track laborers" get laid off in winter. Could anyone shed some light on "truck drivers" in BNSF? Thank you so much.
I don't know that BNSF employs truck drivers as a craft. There are guys who drive trucks and other heavy road and track equipment but they are in the "Bridge & Building" or "Track" Departments and they are usually classified as maintenance jobs and may or may not have "truck driving" and "CDL" as a desired or necessary category for hiring. If you are thinking of the guys who spot the trailers and chassis in the ramps, they are normally employed by a contractor affiliated with the railroad,not the railroad itself. I would send a resume anyway and see how the carrier replies. Try visiting the carrier websites ie. "BNSF.com" or "UPRR.com". Hope you find something suitable! Charlie
HELLO Hi Chaindive, Im new here to and I am a truck driver now, My advice to you is to take any job that pays well to get into the company you want to work for. My opinion is to not drive a truck at all and get a better job. I've been driving for 10yrs and let me tell you this industry is going down BIG TIME. I drive loacal around Chicago delivering gas to gas stations and commercial accounts and the sad thing is unless you can own your own truck and make 4000 a week its not worth it. The drivers today make less than they did in the 1970's and 80's. It takes 2 people to make the money 1 driver made in the 70's and 80's. thats sad. So I applied for the conductor position and made it. If you want a good chance to get in go apply and get your TWIC card it is a must have in order to work in certain jobs in the R/R industry. Good luck to you.:thumbs_up:
Thanks to all who responded!! Yeah, I didn't think BNSF had their own trucks per say, but I'd love to find someone on here that IS a "track maintenance" laborer to ask how that all works for CDL holders. I was just hoping that being a CDL holder could stay busy all year long. I know that I will still do grunt work, even if I was to be hired as a track laborer/truck driver. (I have seen that title on the website. Thanks again to all.
I am currently a MofW employee with Union Pacific and might have some usefull info for you chaindrive as i believe things are similar with BNSF and UP track maintenance departments. You will probably hire out as a laborer and work that for your probationary time. Then after your probationary time is up and you have union representation you can bid on open positions including truck driver positions and other positions that require a CDL. Having a CDL is definatly a plus in winter months to help keep you working. Hope this info is usefull for ya Rob
I have a friend who's employed with BNSF up here in Seattle, works for MOW, drives a Peterbuilt on the rails occasionaly, and does mostly clean-up year around. He has his CDL, Hazmat, operator's, TSA, and another license I can't remember!! The State of Washington is trying to make it $200.00 a year just so you can drive a truck.
