Myths & Truths

The Top 10 Myths & Truths about BNSF Railway in 2007:

1. Myth - You have to know someone on the "inside" in order to get hired!
   
   Truth - BNSF is seeking the best-qualified candidates to fill our positions focusing on an array of talented individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicities, education and experience.
   
   
2. Myth – Railroad work is hard and takes a lot of muscle and strength.
   
   Truth – A lot of railroad work is done outdoors and does require physical strength. However, a lot of tasks are accomplished with the help of advanced technology, machines and equipment.
   
   
3. Myth – To be a Conductor and drive the train, you have to go to the National Academy of Railroad Sciences (NARS) in Overland Park, KS (Kansas City).
   
   Truth –Train crews consist of a Conductor who is responsible for all aspects of the train, and an Engineer who operates the locomotive. Employees begin as Conductor Trainees and can later receive FREE training classes to become a Locomotive Engineer. While BNSF gives very favorable regards to the 6-week training at NARS for Conductor Trainees, completion of NARS is not a requirement for employment, nor does it guarantee employment.
   
   
4. Myth – Working around huge trains is an unsafe job.
   
   Truth – Safety is the #1 priority at BNSF, and working safely is a condition of continued employment. We believe every accident or injury is preventable. BNSF provides extensive safety training, pays for all personal protective equipment and tools, monitors employee safety records, and conducts safety briefings to ensure employees are knowledgeable and to prevent or eliminate all known potential hazards.
   
   
5. Myth – It's hard to get a job with the railroad because they're not really hiring.
   
   Truth – The railroad industry actually has been going through a hiring boom - and in 2006, BNSF hired more than 4,000 employees primarily due to employee retirements and attrition. The process includes completing an online application, taking an aptitude test and undergoing a background evaluation.
   
   
6. Myth – Railroads only have jobs working on the trains.
   
   Truth – BNSF is currently seeking Experienced Supervisors, Management Trainees, Auditors, Summer Interns currently in college, Project Managers, and more, as well as Field Operations positions.
   
   
7. Myth – Trains run all hours of the day & night so I'll have to be on-call 24/7.
   
   Truth – A Conductor Trainee is subject to be called 24 hours a day, 7 days per week and to report to work within 1 1/2 hours after the call. However, they work up to 12 hours, then are allowed 10 hours of rest time. Other positions have a 5-day per week scheduled start and end time, and may require weekend shifts or traveling away from home to complete work duties.
   
   
8. Myth – I need experience and/or a college degree to get a job that pays well.
   
   Truth – BNSF places a high emphasis on training employees. We offer paid training for new hires and current employees who desire to learn more skills on the job. Some positions do require advanced education or specialized skills in a trade, but after only 12 months of employment, BNSF will pay tuition reimbursement for current employees who return to school and receive passing grades for classes that are beneficial to BNSF and pre-approved by the employee's supervisor. Starting wages for entry-level jobs that require only a high school diploma or GED are $16 - $18 per hour, with promotion opportunities. For the industry, exempt wages for railroad jobs average about $67,000 a year.
   
   
9. Myth – The work culture on the railroad does not help new employees to excel or become eligible for promotions.
   
   Truth – At BNSF Railway we live by our Vision and Values, including treating all employees with dignity and respect, and we believe in rewarding employees for their contributions. In addition, BNSF's Leadership Model - developed by our leaders for our leaders - holds leaders accountable for their employees' development. The Leadership Model consists of measures in five areas:
   • Creating a compelling vision
   • Model the way
   • Lead more; manage less
   • Communicate, communicate, communicate
   • Making development a priority
   
   
   
10. Myth – Railroads used to be the backbone of the country long ago, but they're not doing as well anymore.
    
    Truth – BNSF Railway is a $15-billion company, number 173 on the Fortune Magazine list of the top 500 U.S. companies, and the second largest railroad in the United States running through 28 states and two Canadian provinces. We employ more than 40,000 employees, union and non-union. We move a diversified portfolio of products in consumer goods, industrial goods, coal & agricultural products and use speed, agility and resourcefulness to help expand the global marketplace for goods and services. And not many companies can boast a 150-year history, one that helped build a nation and is helping move the world.