Intermodal Network Update for Friday, July 1, 2022

Date
Jul 1, 2022

BNSF operating teams continue to execute our service recovery program while responding to additional service challenges this week on our Southern Transcon. As we reported, an Amtrak train derailment in northern Missouri Monday afternoon resulted in a significant service outage and speed restrictions through the incident location. Another service interruption further east in Missouri Wednesday night also caused some delays. Traffic flows are normalizing through this corridor as power and train crew resources re-align with freight volumes.

We are beginning to generate some improved throughput on the western end of the Southern Transcon with the deployment of additional resources, including temporary crew transfers, to the region. We also implemented a temporary permit embargo this week affecting some westbound traffic moving to destinations in California. It applies to automotive shipments as well as specific agricultural and industrial commodities that are being shipped to destinations in California from the following states in the BNSF network: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. All eastern points of origin outside the BNSF network, which interchange through gateways located in those states, are also covered by this embargo. This embargo, which is currently scheduled to expire on July 31, does not affect intermodal shipments which are being managed through alternate means.

For affected commodities, BNSF will issue permits to embargoed destinations. Permit requests must be submitted one week prior to desired shipment date. Customers can obtain more information as well as submit permit requests through this online form. As we communicated previously, this aggressive action, while disruptive in the short term, was necessary to alleviate congestion as quickly as possible in this busy corridor.

Independence Day Holiday Operating Plan
BNSF will continue to operate intermodal trains over the Independence Day holiday. However, due to lighter volumes of traffic and possible train consolidations, we anticipate that shipments from Monday, July 4 through noon on Wednesday, July 6 may experience delays of up to 24 hours. Most intermodal facilities will operate normally during the holiday weekend; a complete list of hub schedules can be found here.

Connecting carriers who have reduced operations for the holiday may cause delays on interline traffic. Customer Support will maintain a limited staff on Independence Day, with normal coverage resuming on Tuesday, July 5.

As always, we thank you for your business and appreciate the opportunity to serve as your transportation service provider. We welcome your feedback and questions.