Coal Network Update for Friday, June 17, 2022

Date
Jun 17, 2022

BNSF operating teams are focused on reducing backlogs and driving faster cycle times as we approach the Fourth of July holiday weekend. We experienced some weather-related service interruptions this week that resulted in negative impacts on operational performance. With higher interchange volumes received, active railcar inventory levels increased versus last week, which has created congestion at a few key locations.

Earlier this week, severe weather in Montana and Wyoming caused several service disruptions and reduced velocity through some areas. Heavy rain resulted in track washouts in multiple locations along a 100-mile span east of Billings, Montana. We also experienced washouts on our main line running between Casper, Wyoming and Laurel, Montana, with a few segments south of Laurel out of service for more than 48 hours. Trains are operating on all main lines in the region; however, speed restrictions remain in place through some affected locations with crews engaged in track restoration work.

We continue to address significant service challenges on the western end of our Southern Transcon, specifically in Southern California, due to recent high wind events and ongoing congestion. The resulting impacts have affected the ability to effectively align resources with freight volumes, particularly the efficient utilization of train crews. While teams have been engaged in coordinated efforts to improve performance through this busy corridor, including the transfer and deployment of additional locomotives and crew personnel, additional actions are currently being weighed to recover velocity and improve fluidity more quickly. We appreciate your patience and will continue working collaboratively with our affected customers.