Freight Carman Training
Do you enjoy mechanics and welding?
The career: Railroad Carman
Railroad Carmen inspect, troubleshoot and repair freight cars and air brake systems, using mechanical skills and knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration and Association of American Railroads rules.
What else do I need to know about being a Railroad Carman?
As a railroad freight carman, your job is to keep the freight cars moving. There are schedules to be met and important freight that must arrive on time and safely. You may be required to not only work in the shop and train yard, but out on remote sidings and mainlines, as well. Freight cars will always require inspection and repair, when necessary, and federal guidelines need to be followed, ensuring freight car carman jobs will be in high demand well into the future. It is a critical job — one unique to this progressive industry. If you don't get those freight cars up to standards, the freight doesn't move and commodities aren't delivered.
To perform your duties as a carman, you must have an in-depth understanding of current equipment. It is also essential that your professional training include up-to-the-minute knowledge of cutting-edge innovations in tomorrow's railroad equipment.
Carmen are responsible for...
- Air brake inspections and tests, troubleshooting and repair
- Freight car inspections for defects in accordance with federal regulations and industry rules
- Defective freight car components repairs
- High/wide loads inspections
- Overhauling freight cars, truck systems, draft systems and car bodies
As part of their job, carmen...
- Perform general mechanic work
- Operate power tools, machinery, heavy equipment and cranes
- Inspect for federal and industry requirements
- Re-rail freight cars and locomotives
- Weld and operate cutting torches
What will I learn at NARS?
With four weeks of classroom and lab training at our facility on the campus of Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS, a suburb of Kansas City, you will learn the basics of freight car inspection and repair.
You will be instructed in the essential aspects of the carman craft in four courses of instruction:
- Freight car train yard inspection
- Freight car repair track
- Freight car basic air brakes
- Welding basics
What are the results at the end of the program?
Successful completion of the Freight Carman Training Program qualifies you for entry-level carman positions with most railroads. You will receive a certificate of completion and you will also have 12 hours of college credit, giving you a great start on an Applied Associate of Science (AAS) degree. You will also be a top candidate for employment in the railroad industry.
Is this the right career for me?
- I enjoy anything mechanical.
- I want to learn to weld.
- I enjoy rebuilding and repairing things.
- I enjoy troubleshooting and tracking down problems.
- I enjoy working with my hands.