Intermodal Railway Operators Education and Training

Learn the skills to have successful career operating intermodal rail cars
By Jason Wood The intermodal railroad moves billions of dollars of products across the country every single day. From food, to dry goods, electronics and more, intermodal rail service is integral to the American economy. But before you apply for a job at intermodal rail yards, there's some education and training you should complete first.

As part of your intermodal railway operators education and training, you'll want to secure a degree that allows you to conduct intermodal trains as well as learn the safety precautions necessary to operate such large machinery. Taking continuing education seminars throughout your career will also keep you sharp for your career in intermodal trains.

1. Attend a collegiate or university program that specializes in training intermodal railway operators.

2. Check out associations and expos regarding the intermodal railway.

3. Discover education and training in other aspects of the intermodal railway business.

Seek education that trains intermodal railway operators

If you're seeking a career in conductor operation of an intermodal train, attend a college or university that offers courses in operation and train switching. Aside from the practical aspect of running the train, you'll learn about engineering and mathematics associated with running such heavy machinery on the railways of the world.
Try:  Check out the Intermodal Train Institute located at Denver University in Colorado. They offer a full compliment of education including everything from a simple oral history course to an executive masters program. George Brown is another university that offers education in becoming a railway conductor, which is the degree you'll need to operate an Intermodal train.

Visit websites for associations that specialize in intermodal rail

When it comes to learning more about the breadth of the intermodal industry, be sure to visit national association events and expos. They offer seminars and training classes in all aspects of the business. Not to mention you'll be meeting other industry professionals with which you can exchange credentials, form a relationship and try to grow your business through intermodal transportation of your product.
Try:  Visit the website for the Intermodal Association of North America for more information on how to train in various fields associated with working on an Intermodal train. They host such educational events as the Intermodal Operations and Maintenance Seminar. Also check out the Transcomp and Intermodal Expo Online Exhibitor Guide. As an online resource they provide guidance into many aspects of the intermodal industry, including guides as to what kinds of education and training you need to work successfully in the industry.

Learn about other aspects of the business as part of your intermodal railway training

Even if you are training to be a railway operator, it is imperative that you have an understanding of other aspects of the intermodal railway business. For instance as an operator, understanding the security practices regarding your cargo is of the utmost importance. Also, keeping up-to-date by taking additional seminars on how to avoid derailment and other potential catastrophes will give you an edge on your competition.
Try:  Check out the Department of Homeland Security for their Intermodal Security Training Exercise Program. They offer a certification that will allow you to work security on any intermodal rail system in the country. Also visit the Rail Sciences website for more information on the seminars they have to offer.