Intermodal Restricted Shipments

Bulk agricultural products, coiled metal, rolled paper, and hazardous materials are just some of the commodities and equipment that are classified as restricted (allowed based on certain conditions). For a complete list of Restricted shipments, see the BNSF Intermodal Rules & Policies Guide.

Restricted means special arrangements such as equipment selection, loading/securement, and a special price authority must be made in order to move intermodal shipments safely and efficiently. A load not properly prepared can damage freight, equipment or the environment.

When shipping Restricted equipment or commodities, call your Intermodal Marketing Representative and arrange for a special price authority. Then call the BNSF Load and Ride Solutions Representative nearest you for a detailed loading assistance.

Some Restricted shipments include:

Aircraft and air-flight training aids or devices	Animals or carcasses	Asphalt
Bulk agriculture and other bulk commodities products	Bulk bladder (flexi-tanks)*	Bundled chassis
Carbon blacks	Christmas trees	Cigarettes
Coiled metal products	Copper cathode	Creosoted materials
Dimensional high/wide loads	Dump carts	Explosives
Fish scrap	Firearms	Flat beds, flat racks, open-top equipment
Fresh fruits and vegetables	Hazardous materials*	Hides, pelts, skins
Household goods	Logs	LTL
Military communications	Missiles and rockets	Motor vehicles
Package and parcel	Plants	Property of extraordinary value
Railway wheels	Rolled paper	Rolling mills
Scrap batteries	Scrap metals	Shellfish
Tank containers	Temperature sensitive commodities and temperature - controlled equipment	Vehicle components
* Prohibited Hazardous shipments

Load and Ride Solutions (LARS)

Our Load and Ride Solutions team (LARS) works closely with our Intermodal Operations, Marketing and Customer Support groups to provide you with an array of services.

No matter if you're shipping restricted or non-restricted commodities, there's a BNSF Load and Ride Solutions manager ready to meet with you at your place of business.

1. Help You Load

Free loading assistance at your place of business
On-site loading seminars

2. Make It Secure

BNSF-approved loading/securement methods with computer-generated diagrams
Sealing and security recommendations
Approved loading practices from the Association of American Railroads.

3. Monitor

Ride-quality monitoring of shipments
Real-time monitoring of load dynamics from a manned rail car
Origin-to-destination test loads/analysis
Simulated Dynamic Rail Testing BNSF's careful car handling, monitoring and impact testing

In the unlikely event any damage should occur, call 1-800-333-4386 to document your damage or find out about a distressed shipment. Below are examples of loading diagrams that your BNSF Load and Ride Solutions team will tailor for you. View additional loading diagrams, on the Intermodal equipment loading diagrams web page.


Sample rolled paper loading diagram	Sample coiled metal loading diagram

For loading assistance, please call the Load and Ride Solutions Representative in your area.