Pros
Great benefits, great pay as long as your wiling to work for it. The hardest part of the job is to show up. The rest of the day is great pay for very minimal physical labor. This company has endless possibilities for advancement in many different fields and trades (be prepared to relocate a couple times in your career if you choose to climb company ladder) The U.P. Is one of the most strict railroads for rules compliance. Also one of the highest paying rail roads out there.
Cons
Not normal hours. Working on call, never knowing when you might work ( u have a vague idea of when you MIGHT work, but every day is different) Working the on call (extra board) is very difficult on your family and your social lives. But if you choose to make the big money, the extra board is where u work. Seniority is EVERYTHING on the railroad. Work ethic and knowledge does not benefit you at all for getting better paying jobs. It's all by seniority Some managers are so disillusioned about what the crews actually do, and how they do it, and what it takes to accomplish the task Basically some managers are ok to deal with. But most are shady and egotistical and only Looking to advance their own career. Which means they will do anything to find a rule violation to charge you with ( and put your job and salary on hold).