BNSF Keeps Moving

We don’t have to wait for the history books to tell us we’re living in a public health crisis like we have never seen. While the COVID-19 narrative is still being written, one important chapter is about BNSF’s and the nation’s freight railroads’ role in keeping our country’s supply chain secure. “This is a very serious and somber time,” said BNSF President and CEO Carl Ice. “Some of the very things that are necessary and have to be available to help combat the present situation move on our railroad.” From source to shelves, we’re working to make sure you and your families get the goods you need. That includes getting raw materials to manufacturers and goods to distribution centers for delivery to retailers. That means delivering energy to utilities and supplies to farmers; because of us, one in every 12 homes in the nation has power, and 900 million people are fed by the wheat we haul in a single year. “Railroaders and their customers are working 24/7 to deliver the critical household and industrial goods Americans need during this challenging time,” said Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “From food and e-commerce shipments to the chlorine to purify our water, railroads are committed to delivering for your community and your family.” As the pandemic was announced, BNSF ensured we had the necessary resources in place and our operations teams – the ones who keep our trains running, our track maintained and our rolling stock in good condition – responded, doing what they always do: deliver. As we go about our work, we’re taking action to mitigate the spread of this virus while still fulfilling our vital role. Along with adhering to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and working with local public health agencies, we are sanitizing equipment and facilities and minimizing the risk of transmission to those who cannot perform their work remotely by encouraging those who can work from home to do so. Intermodal service, which combines the best of truck and rail, is especially critical now as most products sold at grocery, retail and online stores get there with the help of rail intermodal. BNSF has the largest intermodal network, with 25 intermodal facilities spread across the western two-thirds of the United States. Our team of about 120 there – employees and service partners -- are continuing to do their part during this crisis. “We’re social distancing, having safety briefings in smaller groups, rotating lunchroom and locker room time and sanitizing equipment,” said Jerry Glasow, terminal manager. “We’re keeping safety in the forefront in challenging conditions.”

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