Unpredictable schedule - Freight Conductor BNSF Railway Employee Review

2.0
Jun 25, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pay is good, SOME people are polite.

Cons

You are expected to work days, nights, and evenings throughout the year, in all kinds of weather. You may prepare yourself in ain anticipation a morning shift... You're all cozy and ready to go to bed, and suddenly you get a call to get to work because someone booked off sick. You're working, tired and dazed... 6 hours through your shift and you realize you're not even half way done. Any time you get a call, they can have you for 12 hours. Being up for 26 hours, with rain having soaked through your gear from being outside all night, not to mention how it goes sideways into your hood when you're riding moving equipment, and you finally get to leave. Nothing better than driving home in the morning rush with no sleep the night before. I don't see how this can be safe. Not to mention, any time employee morale shows signs of improvement, it is bashed by senior crews, who are all ready to retire, and would have found a different job if the railway was not the only thing they knew.

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5.0
Jun 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This is a great place to start and grow your career, especially as an MT, with tons of opportunities to take on projects and explore what interests you. Leadership at every level is genuinely supportive and approachable, and people across the company are always willing to teach, mentor, and help you succeed. Compensation and benefits are competitive, and the Business Resource Groups really add to the sense of community and development.

Cons

There are so many opportunities that it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming figuring out what path to focus on. Balancing day-to-day work with all the development options can be a bit challenging depending on your role and workload.

5.0
Jul 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great people and strong coworkers across the organization. The company offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and good overall stability. There are many experienced employees who care about the work and are willing to help others succeed.

Cons

The organization can be very hierarchical, which sometimes makes it difficult to drive change or move quickly. Decisions often require multiple layers of approval, so it can take longer than expected to finalize direction or make progress. There is also limited flexibility compared to what many other companies offer, especially when it comes to working arrangements.

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