Machinery and Oversized Shipments
No matter the industry, BNSF has the equipment and expertise to ship your oversized loads safely and efficiently. From aviation parts and equipment to wind energy products and factory machinery, customers trust BNSF for heavy loads on long and short hauls.
Browse the tabs below for more details on machinery and oversized shipments with BNSF.
Determine if your shipment is an oversized load according to BNSF by using the following criteria:
286,000 lbs. on a 4 axle car
480,000 lbs. on a 8 axle car
12-axle or greater cars may require clearance, as they typically need empty buffer cars for weight distribution. Height more than 17' above top rail
Width more than 11' at any point Load extends beyond end sill of car
Note: The above specifications apply to BNSF only, other rail carriers may have different definitions of oversized loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review the FAQs to learn how to ship machinery and oversized loads.
- Is my load oversized or of excessive weight?
- What is the process to move a load with excess dimension or weight?
- Which railroad do I contact to obtain rates, request cars or obtain a clearance?
- How do I submit my lading information to obtain a railroad clearance?
- What happens once I submit my information for clearance?
- What are the next steps once BNSF determines my special train shipment can physically clear on the railroad?
- What is an idler, and how do I know if it is required for my shipment?
- How do I request a railcar?
- How do I know if I need a heavy-duty flatcar?
- Who is responsible for loading, tie-down and securement of loads?
- How do I release a oversized load?
- What are special train charges?
- When are special train charges applied?
- When is circuitous routing required?
1. Is my load oversized or of excessive weight?
Excess oversized loads are described as any load on a railcar exceeding 17 feet above the top of rail and/or 11 feet wide. Additionally, loads that overhang the end sills of the railcar are classified as oversized loads. Easy access to our weight restriction maps lets you know if your shipment is of excessive weight while on BNSF. Shipments exceeding provided parameters are subject to operating schedules and windows and therefore subject to delays not otherwise affecting normal carload shipments.
2. What is the process to move a load with excess dimension or weight?
The process begins with the shipper following the step by step guide for shipping oversized loads. See oversized shipments to view this process.
3. Which railroad do I contact to obtain rates, request cars or obtain a clearance?
The shipper must receive clearance, obtain rates and request cars from the originating railroad. In the case of a load originating on a shortline railroad, the first linehaul or roadhaul carrier should be contacted.
4. How do I submit my lading information to obtain a railroad clearance?
Complete the Oversized Clearance Request Form, by logging into our website. For instructions on how to register on our website or access the form, see oversized shipments.
5. What happens once I submit my information for clearance?
The BNSF Clearance Department reviews the submitted information. Once a determination is made, the customer will be notified via e-mail.
6. What are the next steps once BNSF determines my special train shipment can physically clear on the railroad?
Obtaining approval for physical clearance DOES NOT constitute operational clearance or authority for the shipment described in the clearance request to move on the BNSF network. Once physical clearance has been obtained, your shipment must be submitted for operational and risk management approval. Contact your marketing representative for more information prior to initiating loading or movement.
7. What is an idler, and how do I know if it is required for my shipment?
An idler is an empty car placed between your shipment and the next load. Idlers are required for shipments that overhang the end sills for the railcar and/or are of excessive weight as determined by BNSF's Engineering Department. Idlers can be requested when requesting the heavy-duty flatcar.
8. How do I request a railcar?
- To request heavy-duty flatcars, complete the Oversized Equipment Request Form by logging into our website. For instructions on how to register on our website or access the form, see oversized shipments.
- To order a standard flatcar, please contact Equipment Distribution.
9. How do I know if I need a heavy-duty flatcar?
The Clearance Department will make this determination based on the characteristics of the load as submitted in the Oversized Clearance Request Form. This information will be included in the proposal response from BNSF's Clearance Department.
10. Who is responsible for loading, tie-down and securement of loads?
The shipper is responsible for loading, tie-down and securement of shipments to the railcar. BNSF Mechanical offices can provide requirements or a copy of the Open Top Loading Manual can be purchased from the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Please see the contact page for contact information.
11. How do I release an oversized load?
All loaded oversize shipments must receive securement inspection and measurements prior to shipment from the originating rail carrier. Please see Step 5 - Receive Inspection for contact information.
12. What are special train charges?
Special train charges are applied to moves that require special handling. Written authorization for special train service is required in advance of train movement. Special train service and charges are in addition to regular freight charges.
13. When are special train charges applied?
Special train charges are assessed for one or more of the following reasons…but are not limited to the following:
- High combined center of gravity, in excess of 106 inches ATR
- Speed restricted cars or restrictions placed on shipments limiting speed to less than 45 mph
- Extreme width of load over 13 feet, 2 inches
- Multiple speed, or stop and walk, restrictions
14. When is circuitous routing required?
Circuitous routing can be required when a load is of excessive size or weight. The routing is necessary to move the load safely to destination. A circuitous routing will affect the freight rate and transit time.
To obtain a rate for machinery and oversized, you can use BNSF's online pricing tools or contact a market manager below.
| Name | Contact | |
|---|---|---|
| If a rate is not available via the Carload Shipping Advisor, contact a BNSF representative using the Rate Request form. | John Pinard
(Machinery with wheels) Request a new rate |
Tel: 817-867-6838 |
| Sean Stacey
(Machinery without wheels) Request a new rate |
Tel: 817-867-6514 |
Pricing Tools and Resources
-
Use our Carload Shipping Advisor tool to obtain a price for shipping machinery and oversized.
Watch a demo of the Carload Shipping Advisory now (no login necessary). - Machinery and oversized are moved under various price authorities .
- All BNSF shipments are subject to the Standard Carload Policies under BNSF 6100-A .
- A fuel surcharge is applicable on all BNSF machinery and oversized shipments:
- BNSF requires a completed and approved credit application prior to a shipment order.
Before scheduling an oversized shipment, please read the following guidelines:
Clear It
For shipments that are oversized, your clearance request lets us officially initiate the process to confirm that our infrastructure can handle your load. To submit your clearance request, log in to BNSF.com, go to the PLAN tab, and select Oversized Clearance Request. We evaluate primary and secondary routes and let you know your best shipping option. You'll also receive a proposal number that you'll need through the rest of the process. Each request includes a $1,000 fee, which is refundable on all proposals that become actual loads on BNSF, within one year. Read more about the Pay-for-Proposal fee refund.
Note: Clearance requests must be submitted to the originating rail carrier. To submit your clearance request, you will need to establish your loading and unloading sites, then log in to BNSF.com.
Request Cars (2-4 weeks before shipment)
The next step is to request the railcars you'll need. Log in to BNSF.com and select the PLAN tab. To request a heavy-duty railcar, select Oversized Equipment Request Form. You'll need your proposal number and the railcar series or equipment car initial and number. To request a standard machinery flatcar, select the Railcar Equipment Request Form.
Note: Availability of railcars is subject to current supply conditions, so please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.
Load It (2 days before shipment)
Next, you'll need to load and secure your railcar according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Open Top Loading Rules. Contained within the AAR rules are specific diagrams for loading configurations, as well as the general rules that you must follow. To obtain a copy of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual, visit the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. website, call 800-544-RAIL or e-mail pubs@ttci.aar.com.
Note: It is the shipper's responsibility to correctly load and secure the load.
Submit Instructions (2 days before shipment)
Proper shipping instructions are essential for BNSF to provide the correct transportation services and invoice at the appropriate rate. To submit your shipping instructions, log in to BNSF.com and select the SHIP tab. You'll need the appropriate rate authority. For oversized loads, you'll also need your proposal number, and you'll need to select a special handling condition of "Extreme Dimension."
Note: You can also submit shipping instructions via EDI, through voice activation by calling 1-888-428-2673, option 3,2,2, or through the rail industry website www.steelroads.com.
Get Inspected (2 days before shipment)
All loaded oversized shipments must be approved before the shipment can receive final clearance and be moved. For shipments with an eight or more axle railcar, contact TTS via e-mail at railengineering@aol.com; for shipments with less than an eight-axle railcar, contact a BNSF mechanical foreman.
Not Rail Served?
- If you are not directly served by a railroad and need delivery by truck, consider using one of our premier transloaders or BNSF Logistics.
- You can also work with our Economic Development team to establish or expand your next site. Talk to us today!
Please select equipment from the drop down.
Bulkhead Flatcar
We have 2,475 bulkhead flats (metal and wood decks). Some of the commodities that are transported on the 62 foot bulkhead flats are structural steel, pipe, steel plate and some lumber products.
| Specifications Table | Diagram (56ft) | Diagram (60ft) | Diagram (62ft) | Diagram (66ft) | Diagram (70ft) | Diagram (85ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inside Length | 56.8 ft | 60.8 ft | 62 ft | 66 ft | 70 ft | 85.4 ft |
| Inside Width | 9.3 ft to 10.5 ft | 8.2 ft to 10.3 ft | 9.3 ft to 10.5 ft | 10 ft | 8.8 ft | 8.7 ft |
| Lading Capacity | 143,500 to 196,000 lbs | 178,500 to 186,000 lbs | 163,400 to 205,100 lbs | 183,500 to 188,600 lbs | 173,800 to 181,200 lbs | 173,600 to 178,100 lbs |
| Fleet Size | 443 cars | 371 cars | 1,583 cars (most TTX Leased) | 119 cars | 49 cars | 33 cars |
Chain Tie-Down Flatcar - 60 ft
| Specifications Table | Diagram (HTTX) | Diagram (OTTX) | Diagram (TTHX) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Length | 60 ft | 60 ft | 60 ft |
| Deck Height - ATR | 3.9 ft | 3.9 ft | 3.9 ft |
| Deck Width | 10.6 ft | 10.6 ft | 10.6 ft |
| Deck Type | Wood | Wood | Wood - with stake pockets |
| Deck Fittings | Chains in 4 longitudinal channels, stake pockets | Chains in 4 longitudinal channels, stake pockets | Chains stored in side stake pockets (9 per side) |
| Chain Count & Size | 38 ea 1/2 inch heavy duty chains, 12 ft in length | 48 ea 3/8 inch alloy chains, 8 ft in length | 18 ea 1/2 inch heavy duty chains, 8 ft in length |
| Lading Capacity | 152,600 lbs (avg) | 153,800 lbs (avg) | 155,400 lbs (avg) |
| Plate | B | B | B |
| Fleet Size | 187 | 361 | 49 |
Chain Tie-Down Flatcar - 68 ft
| Specifications Table | Diagram (ATSF/BNSF) |
|---|---|
| Deck Length | 68 ft |
| Deck Height - ATR | 5.3 ft |
| Deck Width | 9.6 ft |
| Deck Type | Wood - with stake pockets |
| Deck Fittings | Chains in 4 longitudinal channels, stake pockets |
| Chain Count & Size | 40 ea 1/2 inch heavy duty chains, 9 ft in length |
| Lading Capacity | 231,500 lbs (avg) |
| Plate | B |
| Fleet Size | 60 |
Chain Tie-Down Flatcar - 89ft
| Specifications Table | Diagram (ITTX) | Diagram (ITTX) | Diagram (TTDX) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Length | 89 ft | 89 ft | 89 ft |
| Deck Height - ATR | 3.10 ft (Max. 7.8 ft including top-mounted hand brake) | 3.9 ft | 3.9 ft |
| Deck Width | 8.6 ft to 9 ft | 8.6 ft to 9 ft | 8.6 ft to 9 ft |
| Deck Type | Steel | Wood | Steel |
| Deck Fittings | Chains in 2 longitudinal channels | Chains in 4 longitudinal channels | Chains in 2 longitudinal channels |
| Chain Count and Size | 32 ea 3/8 inch alloy chains, 10 ft in length | 40 to 56 ea 3/8 or 1/2 inch alloy chains, 10 ft in length | 16 ea 1/2 inch heavy duty chains, 9 ft in length |
| Lading Capacity | 149,500 lbs (avg) | 142,000 lbs (avg) | 148,300 lbs (avg) |
| Plate | B | B | B |
| Fleet Size | 137 | 200 | 47 |
Private Equipment Policy
If you own your own equipment and plan to ship it on BNSF Railway, your equipment must be registered via the OT5 process that is administered by Railinc. To register, you will need your CIF number, proper UMLER information and the car numbers to be registered. For more information, please contact BNSF Private Equipment Management Team.
Helpful Links
Heavy Duty Car
To reserve a heavy duty car contact TTX or Kasgro prior to making arrangements for shipment of freight.
- Become a Customer
- Oversized Shipments Reference Guide
- Machinery Brochure
- Standard Carload Policies are under BNSF 6100-A
- Weight Restriction Maps
- Extended Equipment Use and Services
- Loading & Shipment Safety
- Carload Reference Guide
- Carload At A Glance Guide
- Hazardous Waste Manifest
- Pay for Proposal refund
- Open Top Loading Rules
Helpful Links
| Sign up for BNSF Customer Updates | Notifications |
| Quickly find out who is served by BNSF | Serving Carrier Reciprocal Switch Inquiry Tool |
| Easily locate a transloader on BNSF network | Premier Transloader Directory |
| Locate your new site near BNSF or have your existing site served by BNSF | Economic Development |
Become a New BNSF Customer
|
Begin shipping with BNSF quickly and easily. We will need the following information to get you started with BNSF:
|
817-867-6223 or Customer Development |
| Pricing/Rates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Area | Name | Contact |
| Rate Requests | Get a rate quickly with our easy online price lookup tool | Carload Shipping Advisor |
| John Pinard
Rolling machinery and wind power |
Tel: 817-867-6838 | |
| Sean Stacey (All other machinery) Request a new rate |
Tel: 817-867-6514 | |
| Clearance | ||
| General inquiries* | High Wide Representative | Tel: 888-428-2673, option 4, 3 Fax: 817-352-7134 |
| eBusiness | ||
| Support | eBusiness | Tel: 888-428-BNSF (2673), option 4, 1 (Available 24x7) |
*You need a PIN to call and inquire about oversized shipments.
Shipping Questions
| For questions regarding your shipment, billing or service |
Customer Support 888-428-2673, option 4, 3 |
| For questions regarding equipment | 888-428-2673, option 4, 4 |
Choose a Social Network