Regardless of which top employer of veterans list you look at, you’ll find at least one railroad or more listed. Why is that? As strange as it may seem, railroad workers and veterans of military service have a lot in common. For example, the work styles are similar. Both organizations like:
- Focusing on the mission
- Striving to be the best they can
- Operating at a high level of safety awareness
- Adherence to policies and regulations
Other parallels include:
- Like to work in all weather conditions
- Used to (and liking) physical labor
- Can easily relocate from one assignment to the next
- Enjoy a structured work environment
Of the employers listed, two rail transportation companies consistently show up: BNSF Railway and CSX Transportation.
BNSF
Operating more than 1,000 trains per day, this railway company has hired 9,000 veterans since 2005 and has committed to a goal of hiring an additional 5,000 by 2018. Winner of the DOD Employer of the Guard and Reserve Freedom Award, four-time winner of the Seven Seals Award and consistently recognized as a Top Military Friendly Employer, BNSF credits earning these awards on the value veterans bring to the workplace, namely a great work ethic, looking out for each other and knowing the meaning of safety.
CSX Transportation
Operating over 21,000 miles of track in 23 states, the District of Columbia and the Canadian Providences of Ontario and Quebec, CSX hauls energy, industrial, construction, agricultural and consumer products to every East Coast metropolitan area via a variety of transportation methods, including intermodal, rail-to-truck, 240 short-lines and to 70 water ports. This company prides itself on hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. One in five CSX employees have military service in their background; twenty-seven percent of new hires in 2014 were veterans. Among its many employer awards CSX consistently listed as a Top Military Friendly Employer.
But CSX holds another top honor that may surprise many – Top Information Technology employer (for the fourth consecutive year). With the constant improvement and a safer and more efficient railroad, they need trained IT people – many of which have and will continue to come from military service.
Benefits
Both companies offer a complete line of benefits, including health and wellness, career development, training and retirement.
Not many companies offer a retirement plan anymore, but the rail industry still does. Instead of paying into Social Security, employees pay into the government-sponsored Railroad Retirement. While the amount paid in is higher that social security, so is the pension after retiring. Both companies also offer 401(k) plans to include matching contributions. Check out both BNSF and CSX websites for more benefit information.
If unsure where the next chapter of your life will take you, working for either of these rail transportation companies could lead you down a road of career success.
