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Why BNSF Intermodal?

THE BNSF ADVANTAGE
Not all intermodal services are the same. BNSF is the industry leader for a reason, offering valuable differences in many key areas.

The Industry Leader

  • BNSF is the world’s #1 intermodal provider.
  • In 2011, BNSF shipped nearly 4.6 million units of intermodal freight, about 1 million more than the next largest rail carrier in North America.
  • Intermodal traffic represents nearly 50% of BNSF’s business portfolio by volume; BNSF is committed to the intermodal business.
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Broad Range of Products & Services

  • BNSF offers customized solutions with the greatest variety of truck and rail options, including multiple rail locations and transit time options to address your supply chain challenges.
  • The BNSF team will work with you to establish the intermodal transportation plan that best meets your unique needs.
  • BNSF has two distinct levels of intermodal service, depending on whether your emphasis is speed or cost-efficiency.

Expedited Service

> Fastest intermodal service in the industry

> Transit averages 800 miles per day

> Trailer and container, Domestic only

Standard Service

> Sustainable solution for price-sensitive shippers

> Transit averages 600 miles per day

> Container only, International and Domestic

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The Most Reliable Service

  • BNSF is best-in-class and superior to truck for safe and damage-free shipments.
  • Trust in BNSF and our asset-based carrier partners. Shippers using BNSF Next Generation Intermodal enjoy 95% or better on-time performance on door-to-door deliveries.
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Easiest Intermodal

  • BNSF has a wealth of e-tools and apps to help you optimize your shipping.
  • Real-time Customized Tracking Reports give you complete visibility of your freight on BNSF’s Intermodal network.
  • BNSF’s Intermodal Advisor Tool on this page and on BNSF.com, makes it easy for you to see:
    • Cost Savings
    • Transit Time
    • Routes
    • Emissions Reductions
  • Other tools and apps are available on BNSF.com, allowing you to see schedules, trace the location of your shipment, track its history, submit shipping instructions and more.
  • BNSF’s award-winning Customer Support is accessible 24/7/365.
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Best Reach for Your Target Markets

  • BNSF’s 32,500-mile network gives you access to the fastest growing consumer markets in the U.S., including Dallas/Fort Worth, Kansas City, Chicago, Memphis, Atlanta and more.
  • With connecting service, BNSF provides access to 100% of the major consumer markets in the Northeast, Southeast, Pacific Northwest, etc.
  • The BNSF network has state-of-the-art intermodal facilities in several strategic locations such as Chicago, Memphis, Dallas/Fort Worth, and coming in 2013, Kansas City.
    BNSF Network Map
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Best Capacity Model

  • BNSF works closely with more than 100 motor carriers and more than 20 ocean carriers.
  • Relationships with these leading asset-based carriers enable BNSF’s Intermodal shippers to have access to their vast equipment resources, helping ensure capacity needs will be met, even at peak times.
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Largest Infrastructure Investments

  • To further improve transit times and reliability, BNSF continually
    re-invests in infrastructure and adding capacity. In 2012, BNSF invested in a record $3.9 billion capital program.
  • Since 2000, BNSF has invested nearly $37 billion to strengthen and enhance our network.
    BNSF Capital Committments Chart
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Premier Portfolio of Carrier Partners

  • BNSF Intermodal collaborates with leading ocean carriers and motor carriers to provide capacity and seamless service.
  • BNSF Intermodal partners with over
    • 100 domestic transportation partners offering services for Full Truckload, Reefer Truckload, Less than Truckload (LTL), Parcel, Flatbed, 3PLS and IMCs.
    • 20 ocean partners who provide comprehensive import/export services on a global scale.
  • As the only railway to work exclusively with asset-based carriers who own their own equipment, BNSF ensures you have access to virtually unlimited capacity.
  • BNSF’s asset-based partners give you access to all the equipment you need, even at peak times.
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  • A typical intermodal train takes the equivalent of 280 trucks off the highways.
  • BNSF Intermodal serves more than 8,000 shippers a year.
  • BNSF ships more than 50 million packages for UPS between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  • At any given time, 300 BNSF intermodal trains are carrying the equivalent of 50,000 truckloads.

A Taste for Intermodal

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Success Stories >

A Supply Chain
Tune-Up

Pep Boys Success Stories >

New
Transportation Tricks

Petco Success Stories >

Crafting a More
Cost Efficient Solution

Michaels Success Stories >

Taking the Lid off
Outbound Shipping

Container Store Success Stories >

Cooking Up a Better
Transportation Plan

Jack in the Box Success Stories >
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BNSF

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

  • BNSF invested $3.9 billion of capital into its network in 2012.
  • BNSF Intermodal trains can travel up to 1,000 miles a day.
  • BNSF is the only railway with direct service between the West Coast and Atlanta.
  • BNSF carried nearly 4.6 million intermodal shipments in 2011.
  • BNSF handles more intermodal shipments than any other Class I railroad.
  • Intermodal represents nearly 50% of BNSF’s business portfolio by volume.
  • BNSF handled 100% of the 2011 intermodal volume growth in the western U.S.
  • Intermodal trains are twice as fuel efficient as trucks.
  • A typical intermodal train takes the equivalent of 280 trucks off the highways.
  • BNSF Intermodal serves more than 8,000 shippers a year.
  • BNSF ships more than 40 million packages for UPS between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  • Right now, 300 BNSF Intermodal trains are carrying the equivalent of 50,000 truckloads.
  • BNSF moves nearly a million shipments a year of LTL, parcel and perishable produce.
  • 18 of the top 20 global ocean carriers rely on BNSF Intermodal to reach inland markets.
  • BNSF Intermodal loads the equivalent of a trailer or container every 7 seconds.
  • 98% of top U.S. importers have facilities within 200 miles of a BNSF Intermodal facility.
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Contact us

Call: 800-326-5999
Email: intermodal@bnsf.com

DFW to LA Shipping Example
Detailed Map of BNSF Intermodal Network
BNSF Capital Commitment