Train crew numbers continue to rise
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefA steady increase in carload and intermodal traffic means an increased need for train crews, and employment numbers released Thursday by the Surface Transportation Board underscore the connection.
Transportation (train and engine) employment rose to 63,078 in mid-May, up 6.67% from a year ago and 0.33% higher than in April this year.
Total U.S. Class I railroad employment increased to 157,522 in May, up 4.38% from May 2010 and up 0.48% from April 2011.
The number of maintenance of way and structures employees climbed to 36,026 in May, up 3.68% over May 2010 and up 1.27% over April 2011.
Maintenance of equipment and stores employment was 28,963 in May, up 2.56% over May 2010 and up 0.38% over April 2011.
Transplantation (other than train and engine) numbers totaled 6,678 in May, up 2.52% from a year ago and 0.20% over April 211.
In other categories, the number of executives, officials, end staff assistants was 9,231 in May, up 2.81% from a year ago but down 0.08% from April. Professional and administrative employment, at 13,546 in May, was up 1.85% from May 2010 but off 0.23% from April 2011.
