Class I

The Association of American Railroads Tuesday noted the freight railroad industry has been recognized for the seventh consecutive year by G.I. Jobs magazine, a career guide for military job-seekers, for the industry’s commitment to hiring military veterans.

Five Class I railroads were named in the magazine’s annual “Top 100 Military Friendly-Employers” list: CSX Corp. (No. 3 on the list); BNSF Railway (No. 6); Union Pacific (No. 12); Norfolk Southern (No. 19), and Canadian National (No. 63).

“America’s freight railroads proudly support America’s service men and women and their families,” said AAR President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger. “Not only have railroads historically been a critical link in the supply chain during war time, but freight rail has been an industry in which many members of the armed services have found good-paying, private sector jobs. Today, almost 25% of the employees working for the nation’s freight railroads are current or former military service men and women.”

The G.I Jobs list surveyed U.S. companies with earnings of more than $500 million in annual revenues and based the rankings on areas such as active recruitment efforts and results in hiring America’s former service members. The survey also looked at which companies have the best company policies for employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve. Of the 5000 companies eligible, only 2% were recognized by G.I. Jobs.

“There is an attitude and skill set indicative of railroad employees that mirrors greatly with those of military service men and women,” said Hamberger. “Those characteristics that make for a successful military career also make for a successful railroad career. The freight rail industry plans to hire 15,000 people next year and we want veterans to consider a career in railroading.”