Bulk Agricultural Intermodal Shipments

Update 5/13/05 - Policy Notice

Prior to June 1, 2004, transportation bulk agricultural commodities in intermodal containers was prohibited on BNSF for safety reasons related to the tendency of bulk intermodal shipments to shift in transit. Since then, BNSF has worked with the agricultural community and ocean carriers to establish loading standards that ensure safe movement of this product in containers. We have approved various loading configurations that will mitigate load shifts and derailments. As a result, BNSF now accepts shipments of agricultural products in international containers and handles these movements on a restricted status.

As with the transportation of all commodities, the customer needs to certify the product is properly loaded and the proper price authority is utilized. The QTBulkAg price authority, which covers shipments of bulk agricultural commodities in containers, is a commodity-based price authority that is applicable to all ocean carriers who choose to participate in this program. Given the price sensitivity of this commodity, the rates are subject to change with two week's notice.

BNSF realizes the value of supporting the transportation of bulk agricultural commodities in international containers and is committed to this business.