Make Macy do it: railroad switchman jobs in Southeast Texas with Trans Global Solutions

Railroad switchmen keep freight moving behind the scenes, and at the Port of Beaumont, the work can change from one shift to the next.

Trans Global Solutions Director of F.R.A. Safety and Operations Rusty Krumrey said the day-to-day job starts by reporting at an assigned time with a crew that includes a conductor and a locomotive engineer. Crews begin with a morning job briefing to go over what needs to be done, then head into the field to perform railroad functions “whether that’s spotting, customers within the facility or building trains.” Krumrey emphasized, “No day is the same.”
The job demands constant attention to safety around heavy equipment and moving rail cars. Before lining a switch, workers check the switch gap to make sure there is no rock or other obstruction. Employees also maintain separation from rail cars when crossing and follow procedures to prevent incidents such as derailments, including not moving rail cars with handbrakes on because wheels can slide.

Krumrey said the company looks for people who are dependable and flexible, noting that trains operate on schedules and workers must be available to meet them. He also values “somebody with a, type A personality that’s not afraid to speak up when they see something that’s unsafe,” adding, “Because the number one priority in our industry is the safety of our employees.”

Safety training is a major part of the job. Krumrey said employees go through “a rigorous training program that satisfies our submission to the F.R.A.” He added that the company audits employees’ daily operations to ensure rules are followed and provides feedback and coaching as part of continuous training.
While the work is active, Krumrey said applicants don’t have to arrive in peak condition. Employees must complete a functional capacity exam and be able to lift, walk and climb. “It helps to be in decent physical shape,” he said. “But, if you’re not, we’ll help you get there.”

Trans Global Solutions considers the switchman role entry level. “If you’ve never done it before, that’s great because then we get a clean slate of an employee that we get to build, from the ground up,” Krumrey said. Requirements include a clean driving record as part of federal rules and the ability to pass a drug test.

Krumrey, who said he started his career 22 years ago as a switch man, credited benefits for keeping him in the industry. “The benefits is really what’s kept me in this industry,” he said. He said the company provides health insurance, “free dental and vision” for employees, and 401(k) match programs. He also pointed to railroad retirement at certain railroads, calling it “totally different from Social Security,” and said it allows him “to be able to retire at a younger age.”

Krumrey’s pitch to potential applicants: “Do you get all the exercise you want? Will pay you handsomely, the benefits are outstanding. And it’s it’s not the same thing every single day. And that’s you. You’ll never be bored when you’re working out here, because there’s always something to do or something different or a new challenge.”

Those interested in applying for a railroad switchman position with Trans Global Solutions were directed to workintexas.com.