Day in the Life Ep. 1: What It’s Really Like on a Short-Line Railroad with Noah Noyes
Welcome to the official launch of Next Generation Railroaders’ new multimedia series, "Day in a Life!"
In this series, we sit down with industry professionals across various sectors to break down what daily life on the rails is actually like. Our goal is simple: elevate fresh perspectives, provide honest insight into rail careers, and pass down practical wisdom to the next generation of railroaders.
For our debut 15-minute episode, NGR board member Glenn Holland sits down with Noah Noyes—a full-time short-line railroader and fellow NGR board member—to explore the dynamic world of short-line freight railroading.
Watch the Interview
Check out the full 15-minute conversation below, or head over to the Next Generation Railroaders YouTube Channel to subscribe!
Key Takeaways from Noah’s Interview
1. The Versatility of Short-Line Operations
Unlike Class 1 long-haul operations where jobs are often narrowly specialized, working on a short-line railroad demands versatility. Noah is triple-qualified as a freight conductor, locomotive engineer, and relief dispatcher. Being a "utility player" means no two days are identical. He might spend one day switching cars in the yard, another dispatching, and the next running an engine along the line.
2. First-Mile, Last-Mile Customer Relationships
While Class 1 trains often cover hundreds of miles over the road, a short-line crew might only travel 20 miles in a day, spending hours directly switching tracks at industrial plants, mills, and customer facilities. Noah emphasizes that short-line railroading is deeply customer-centric. Building strong, personal relationships with the people receiving and shipping freight is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
3. Pivoting to Rail as a Second Career
Railroading isn't just for people straight out of school or trade programs. After 15 years in a completely different industry, Noah made the jump to follow a lifelong passion inspired by his grandfather’s 40-year rail career. Starting out as a conductor before earning his engineer's license, Noah highlights that hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are what matter most when breaking into the field.
4. Practical Advice for Future Railroaders
Go in with eyes wide open: Railroading can be grueling. Moving freight in pitch-black, 35-degree rain at 3:00 AM isn't glamorous, but having the right attitude, solid gear, and pride in the work turns those challenges into badge-of-honor moments.
Lean into senior mentorship: The best way to learn the rails is by listening to veterans who have 10, 20, or 30 years on the job. Respecting that institutional knowledge and letting it pass down to you makes you a safer, more skilled railroader.
Shape Our Next Episode!
"Day in a Life" is built around what you want to learn. Before we record our next episode, we want your input!
Have a question for our upcoming guest, or a specific rail career you'd love to see featured on the channel?
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