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