Next Stage in Limited Embargo of Certain Shipments Destined for California

Date
Jul 26, 2022

In response to our temporary permit embargo for some westbound traffic moving to destinations in California, we have seen decreased congestion through Southern California and improved network conditions. Incremental progress has been made in velocity across our Southern Region, with our most recent 7-day train velocity reaching a 90-day high. Improved conditions allowed us to issue 30% more permits for the next seven-day period starting Thursday, July 28, and we are positioned to build on positive momentum going into August.

As we enter the next phase of our service recovery, we must proactively work together to improve the congestion in California by continuing the embargo into August. BNSF will continue to carefully review and consider customer circumstances and will increase the number of permits issued weekly as network conditions improve. We will maintain our focus in the weekly permit review process on the number of shipments already in the pipeline headed to California customer destinations and work to mitigate overfilled pipelines while allowing railcars to flow where shortages might exist.

This limited embargo continues applying to non-intermodal shipments. Customers can refer to our online form to submit permit requests, view the current list of commodities exempted from the embargo, and obtain additional information. This embargo does not cover intermodal shipments, which are managed through alternate means.

Additionally, BNSF will continually reassess network conditions and provide updates on the status of this embargo and our progress in generating improved service. As we continue to make progress in our service recovery, we anticipate that we will be able to stop the current permit embargo structure and continue working collaboratively with individual customers as necessary to manage traffic flows.

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. If you have questions, please contact your BNSF sales representative.