Pre-Trip

Pre-Trip - Job Description

COMPANY:
Harbor Rail Services has been in the railroad business for 35 years, operating 50 locations nationwide, and is a leading provider of railcar maintenance and repair services. The company is committed to the training and development of its employees, offering competitive compensation, benefits packages, and growth opportunities. Safety is the first priority, supported by strong leadership and rigorous safety standards.

POSITION:
Pre-Trip

REPORTS TO:
Location Supervisor/Manager of Locations

JOB TYPE:
Full-Time

JOB SUMMARY:
The Pre-Trip role is responsible for conducting thorough inspections of railcars before they are dispatched for service. This role ensures that all safety protocols are followed and that railcars are in optimal condition for transportation. The Pre-Trip worker collaborates closely with other team members to identify and address any issues that may compromise the safety or efficiency of rail operations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

• Conduct pre-trip inspections of railcars to ensure they are in proper working order.
• Inspect lading equipment, safety appliances, interior condition of the railcar, clean any debris, replace defective tiedown equipment, lubrication, and help others as needed. 
• Identify and report any safety concerns, defects, or maintenance needs found during inspections.
• Verify that all railcar components meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all inspection and repair records are accurate, complete, and submitted promptly.
• Communicate with the maintenance team to address any issues identified during inspections.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment, following all safety guidelines.
• Report any discrepancies or irregularities to the Location Supervisor.
• Participate in safety briefings and training sessions to stay updated on industry standards and practices.
• Ensure that all inspection tools and equipment are in good working condition.

Job Qualifications

• Must meet all physical requirements and be able to follow directions.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior experience in railcar inspection, maintenance, or a related field preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Basic analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to solve problems.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English fluently and professionally.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Physical Requirements

• Constant need (80% to 100% of the time) to be on feet.
• Frequent need to perform physical activities such as bending, stooping, climbing, and lifting up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions for extended periods of time.

Vision Requirements

• Constantly observe areas that need attention/correction.
• Ability to differentiate common railroad signaling colors (red, green, yellow, and blue).

Hearing Requirements

• Essential: Must be able to hear clearly and accurately to receive verbal instructions and to maintain awareness of surroundings, ensuring safety in an active railyard environment.

Speaking Requirements

• Constant need to verbally communicate with staff, partners, and vendors.

Working Environment

• Outdoors (80% to 100% of the time) in various conditions.
• Exposure to paint fumes, lubricants, dust, loud noises, etc.

Reasoning Development

• HIGH. Must be able to apply principles of logical thinking to practical situations and follow standardized procedures that may occasionally involve minor deviations.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule

• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• On-call
• Weekend availability

License/Certification

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location
In personTop of Form

Harbor Rail Services is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for available positions without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, sexual expression, gender expression, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

DISCLAIMER:
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.