Midway Southern Railway

Train Crew (Conductors and Engineers)
The primary job of a train crew is to efficiently deliver and pick up loaded and unloaded freight cars from our customers.  Train crews also perform a “switching” function of arranging freight cars in a train for delivery to other railroads and breaking down the assembled trains we receive from other railroads prior to delivery to our customers.

Conductors are in charge of the train.  They determine what will be done and how it will be done.  They also handle all the paperwork and computer work.  Engineers operate or “drive” the train.  Conductors promote to Engineer based on seniority.

Prior to the start of employment for train service, P&L selects candidates for our local training program.  A series of operating rules and safety tests must be passed before promotion to the position of conductor which is approximately 12 weeks.   Union pay scale and benefits start immediately upon promotion to conductor.

Since all railroads operate 24/7, new conductors work off an “extra board” and work on an on call basis.  The call for work will be a 2 hour notice at any time day or night and are not optional.  Conductors can work up to a 12 hour shift.  Upon leaving work, conductors will have a mandatory minimum time off of 10 hours after each shift before being subject to call again.

All employees (and trainees) are subject to Federal drug/alcohol testing programs and Federal Safety Rules.

UPDATED 1.13.23

Track Laborer
A track laborer is responsible for the inspection, repair, and maintenance of the railroad’s tracks and bridges.  Using hand tools and heavy machinery, they work in a group to replace worn ties and rail and place new ballast on the tracks.  With seniority, laborers advance to the positions of machine operator, welder, and foreman. Company provides all necessary tools and safety equipment.

All work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Depending on seniority, position may require employee to have or obtain a CDL.

Track employees usually work Monday thru Friday from 7am until 3:30pm with overtime as needed. Employees are subject to callout in the event of a derailment or other emergency. Employees are required to travel to all locations on our railroad during the course of their work shift.

Benefits and a graduated union pay scale start with the first day of employment. 

All employees (and trainees) are subject to Federal drug/alcohol testing programs and Federal Safety Rules.

Updated: 1.30.2023

Rail Traffic Controller
A train dispatcher is responsible for directing the movement of trains and on-track equipment within assigned territory on the railroad in a safe and efficient manner utilizing computer software maintained by the P&L.  Train dispatchers must possess constant focus and an attention to detail in a high stress, safety sensitive environment.

Dispatchers must manage unexpected events and emergencies in a timely manner and must be able to effectively communicate by phone and radio with workers, managers, emergency personnel and the general public.

Since all railroads operate 24/7, dispatchers may work day shift, afternoon shift, or night shift based on seniority and may include a non-standard work week.  The FRA Hours of Service restricts a dispatcher from working more than 9 hours in a rolling 24 hour period.

These positions are based in Paducah and follow an in-house training program.  Benefits and a graduated union pay scale start with the first day of employment.

All employees are subject to Federal drug/alcohol testing programs and Federal Safety Rules.

1.17.23

Assistant Trainmaster
Trainmasters are salaried management employees.  The primary responsibility of a Trainmaster is the direct supervision of train crews ensuring safe and proper performance of assigned duties in accordance with all operating rules and regulations while controlling costs and maintaining efficiency.

Trainmasters plan railcar movements between field operations and customers, utilizing other railroad departments and working with other railroads’ schedules to ensure customers receive prompt service.

Since railroads operate 24/7, trainmasters will be required to work non-standard hours and days of the week. Trainmasters travel over an assigned territory, but may be required to travel to other territories as vacation/emergency relief for other transportation supervisors.

Trainmasters are required to have or obtain a conductor certification.

1.17.23

Freight Car Repair Worker
A freight car repair worker is responsible for the inspection and repair in compliance with Federal standards of all freight cars that come onto our railroad.

Position requires mechanical ability and ability to work outdoors/non-environmentally controlled settings. Depending on seniority, position may require employee to have or obtain a CDL. Company provides all necessary tools and safety equipment.

A freight car repair worker will work a day shift, afternoon shift, or night shift based on seniority and may include a non-standard work week.  Employees may be required to travel to other locations on our railroad during the course of their work shift. Employees are subject to callout in the event of a derailment or other emergency.

Freight car repair workers are hired into an apprenticeship program.  Benefits and a graduated union pay scale start with the first day of employment.

All employees (and trainees) are subject to Federal drug/alcohol testing programs and Federal Safety Rules.

1.17.23