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Train Operator Freight Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Freight Handler

Vestal Center, NY · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

You must always follow all safety regulations when operating your equipment. We prefer applicants with one year of freight handling experience, but we are willing to train the right person. Freight ...

Forward Air

Freight Handler

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$22.50 - $24.50/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading ... Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers. * All other duties as ...

Forward Air Corporation

Freight Handler

Linden, NJ · On-site

$21.56/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading ... Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers. * All other duties as ...

Forward Air Corporation

Freight Handler

Linden, NJ · On-site

$21.56/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading ... Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers. * All other duties as ...

Forward Air

Freight Handler

Miami, FL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading ... Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers. * All other duties as ...

Forward Air Corporation

Freight Handler

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$19.60/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading ... Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers. * All other duties as ...

Forward Air

Freight Handler

Linden, NJ

$21.56/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading ... Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers. * All other duties as ...

Forward Air

Freight Handler

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$22.50 - $24.50/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading ... Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers. * All other duties as ...

Forward Air Corporation

Freight Handler

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading ... Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers. * All other duties as ...

Forward Air Corporation

Freight Handler

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$22.50 - $24.50/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading ... Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers. * All other duties as ...

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Train Operator Freight information

What is the difference between Train Operator Freight vs Train Conductor?

AspectTrain Operator FreightTrain Conductor
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), safety certificationsRailroad certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentLocomotive cab, rail yards, freight terminalsOnboard train, rail yards, stations
Employer & IndustryFreight rail companies, logistics industryRailroads, passenger and freight services
Primary ResponsibilitiesOperate freight trains, ensure safety, follow schedulesOversee train operations, coordinate loading/unloading, ensure safety

While both roles are essential in rail operations, Train Operator Freight primarily focuses on operating freight locomotives, whereas Train Conductor manages train safety, crew, and cargo. The roles often work together but differ in responsibilities and certifications required.

What does it take to be a freight train operator?

A freight train operator must typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, obtain a commercial driver's license with a passenger or freight endorsement, and complete specialized training on train operation and safety procedures. They need good communication skills, the ability to work long hours, and often must pass background checks and medical exams. Experience with operating heavy machinery and knowledge of safety regulations are also important.

What cities are hiring for Train Operator Freight jobs?

Cities with the most Train Operator Freight job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Train Operator Freight jobs?

For Train Operator Freight jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Train Operator Freight job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Freight Train Conductor - Louisville KY

Louisville, KY • On-site

Paducah & Louisville Railway
Trucking • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Paducah & Louisville Railwayexternal

$31/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform railcar switching by combining or separating cars, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.

  • Complete paperwork of car movements, keep records of contents and destinations, and ensure proper billing and adherence to customer instructions.

  • Communicate with the train crew, dispatchers, and other workers using telecommunications equipment and hand signals.

Job description

Paducah & Louisville Railway, Inc. (part of P&L Transportation, Inc.) is looking for Freight Train Conductors in Louisville, KY.


The conductor is responsible for the safe and efficient administration of the train operations and handling of customer freight in accordance with FRA, AAR, and Company rules, policies and regulations. All necessary safety procedures, guidelines and policies must be adhered to in the performance of the tasks assigned to this position as set forth below.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Understand and adhere to operating rules, safety rules, policies, procedures and regulations and ensure train crew’s compliance with all train orders, signals, rules and regulations and for safe train operations.
  • Perform railcar switching by combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains by switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic while directing engineer to move cars to fit planned train configurations.
  • Receive and comprehend instructions, bulletins, work orders, and switch lists from dispatchers and Trainmaster, and discuss with locomotive engineer and train crew to ensure all understand the immediate job task.
  • Complete paperwork of car movements and keep records of the contents and destination of each train car to ensure cars are added/removed at proper points on route in accordance with customer’s instructions and for proper billing.
  • Observe, understand, and act upon the indications of color light signals and signs.
  • Communicate with engineer, dispatcher, and other workers using telecommunications equipment/radios and hand signals.
  • Inspect the condition of trains and equipment including making repairs such as changing knuckles and air brake hoses.


Job Requirements - Context and Environment:

  • Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries.
  • SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION – Extreme consequence of error to worker and public.
  • Exposure to hazardous equipment.
  • Vision, color, and hearing acuity as specified in FRA regulations.
  • Governed by a collective bargaining agreement with membership required which determines specific job duties, work assignments, and work locations.
  • Regular and timely attendance at work.
  • Work hours are irregular and will vary in length and schedule. Work hours will include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and shiftwork including nights and weekends usually exceeding 40 hours per week.
  • Required to report to work safely on as close to two-hour notice as possible. Will include nights and weekends.
  • Requires a valid driver’s license.
  • >95% travel required.
  • Wearing Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Frequent lifting work up to 50 pounds and 85 pounds occasionally.
  • Walking long distances over uneven terrain and on elevated surfaces and slopes.
  • Ascends and descends steps and ladders to get on and off equipment.
  • Working under Time Pressure to meet strict deadlines.
  • Working outdoors (Exposed to all Weather conditions). Exposed to heat and cold including extreme heat and cold, both natural and man-made and with equipment that intensifies the heat factor. They are required to work in a variety of weather conditions at all times of the day or night
  • Exposed to Sounds and elevated Noise Levels (Are Distracting or Uncomfortable


Education/Training/Certification: High school diploma or general education degree (GED).