Conductor Trainee – Missoula Training

I’ve been hearing mixed things about BNSF conductor training and wanted to hear from anyone who has recently gone through it, especially for Missoula, MT.

What does the training process actually consist of? Do Missoula conductor trainees have to travel to Kansas for part of the training? If so, how long are you there?

Also curious about:

• How long the overall training program lasts
• How much is classroom vs. field/OJT training
• What the schedule is typically like
• What the hardest part of training is
• Any advice on what I should study or prepare for before my start date

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through BNSF conductor training recently.

I just had my interview yesterday and they told me I should hear back from them sometime today. Is it normal that I still haven’t heard anything? When should I start reaching back out asking for more info? Before you ask yes I have checked my emails spam folder as well as my bnsf jobs profile.

I had my interview today. Got a letter back and got placed in alternate. Anything I should worry about or know or what it means essentially?

I live across from the rail yard and one or both BNSF locomotives that are sitting there make a high-pitched whine or beeping noise all day and all night. I don't mind the low rumble of an idling train, trains blasting though the yard at 3am, or the cars crashing together. But this high pitched noise is driving me crazy. Is this normal or is this indicative of the train needing maintenance?

So I’m currently 240 5’7 and I did the math and to get below 35 bmi I have to be 223 at the time of my appointment in 4 days, I used to cut weight in highschool for powerlifting would it be worth it to cut for the bmi to not have to go through all of the sleep apnea stuff?

I applied back in August of 2025 and became an alternate.

Never got contacted. I think the job market was a tad bit more desperate back then.

Had to reschedule due to conflicts at my current job. The guy said he would reach back out if there was more slots for an interview.

Well he did and I got another one.

Hopefully I can secure a position this time.

It’s for conductor.

Wish me luck next week.

I’m 31, no kids and no spouse. So I got the time lol

I received my final offer and will be in Kansas to start training on the 24th. My MOW final offer shows my hire location as Glendive MT, but that doesn't mean I'm headquartered correct? Is that something that will be assigned after I pass training and testing in Kansas? Most posts I've read all said you're more than likely will be on a travel gang as an apprentice, but was just confused when I saw my hired location and wanted some clarification on it. Thank in advance to anyone who can shed some light on this!

Looking for all the different on duty locations in Houston, specifically where on maps they are located, for the yard and road jobs,locals and such

What cold and flu medicines are legal per the policy? I’m in training but feel getting sick help is appreciated thank you!

Hey dumb question. I’ve never used the purge scheduled day button. I have an EDO I want to use. Can I put it in (5 days prior) and if don’t need it within 5 days, does that button remove it?

I want to use EDO. If I don’t need the EDO 5 days from now (say the day before) can I remove it? Thanks!

How long before your hire date did you receive your final offer? I’ve been qualified since 7/17 I spoke with a HR lady from corporate that said my start date would be 8/31, and I would receive a final offer before then. It’s coming down to two weeks before, and I’m kinda stressing about it 😅

Can anyone explain all the different rosters and who can actually work where? Ive seen some en12s and en32s in some terminals but 457s only in Longview. As well as all the different 401s. Some guys are on multiple different rosters. Im wondering which one is the best to bid? Id like to do 457 in Longview but its pretty limiting

How long are you in trainer before you can travel ? Also what are the typical rate for long hauls?

I am currently a first year college student going for a diesel mechanics degree. I work at a dealership for Deere as a student technician working at becoming a full time diesel mechanic there, but my end goal is to work at BNSF on the locomotives and am curious on if there are other steps I can take now to set myself up well for that in the near future?

Asking for a friend who doesn’t use Reddit, but what’s the territory like? I know they run RCO and make runs to northtown, but what else does it offer? I believe it’s closed seniority? But what are the other locations that you could be forced to within that district? Is the extra board combined road and yard? Where do the low seniority guys end up?

Where is the go-to lodging for long-term stays? I'm looking at chasing work soon, and Galesburg is what I'm considering for employment. I'm from Illinois originally and have family I can stay with, but both Coal City and Kankakee are a bit of a drive. We plan on moving back to Illinois, and I'm struggling to hold for the first time since I hired out. I want to check out Galesburg before I make any financial decisions. Also, where did your familiarization disperse to? I was in a GN last year with all the info, and now it's just vague. If you will, call X person (superintendent, if I recall).

Yo can someone give me the run down on this location please. Just waiting for my finale offer letter and trying to get a feel of this for this location. Thanks

I’ve been a railroader for a little while now about 6 years. Trying wolverines for the first time and the boot is comfy but they’re tough to walk in for my feet and knees, just seeing if anyone’s got a good insole to try out!

BNSF forced me to give them consent to contact my current employer so they can get my drug and alcohol testing history. That is no problem but I would very much not prefer for my current employer know Im trying to leave for greener pastures because I may end up fired if that happens. Does anyone have any experience with this? Did they contact your employer prior to you leaving? Any advice or first hand experience would be appreciated

I've finally began the onboarding process for signal apprentice but I've only received the email telling me when and where to report and a link to start my profile and tax forms. Haven't received any other info about travel expenses or what my starting pay will be. Any clue on when I'll find out. I start in 12 days.