News Release

BNSF Names Hondo Railway Shortline of the Year

FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 01, 2011 :

The Hondo Railway (HRR) was recently named Shortline of the Year at BNSF Railway's annual Shortline Conference held in Irving, Texas on October 13, 2011.

"The Hondo Railway has exceeded BNSF's expectations through innovation, determination, vision and entrepreneurial spirit," said Dean Wise, BNSF vice president, Network Strategy.

This year marks the 15th year of the BNSF Shortline Conference. "This conference brings together our shortline partners allowing us to share best practices and discuss ways we can work together to continue to offer our mutual customers exceptional service," said Wise. "Hondo Railway exemplifies that mission and should be commended for their commitment to this industry."

HRR has reacted quickly to new business opportunities by investing capital to establish a market presence. They are on pace to more than double their volumes this year due to their focused and intense marketing efforts. Since the opening of their facility in Hondo, Texas in 2006, HRR has more than tripled the size of their yard and purchased additional locomotives and equipment. HRR currently operates over 80,000 feet of track within their 56 acre facility. HRR is well positioned to handle commodities needed by Eagle Ford Shale oilfield service companies, including frac sand and drilling mud, and is capable of handling bulk, dimensional and liquid commodities in unit or manifest trains.

BNSF also presented Achievement Awards to Watco Companies, LLC and The Minnesota Commercial Railway.

Watco was recognized for their "Focus on Improvement". Watco was the first company to help beta test the new BNSF Shortline Velocity Tool. A number of Watco suggestions were incorporated in the tool to make it more valuable to BNSF's shortline partners. Watco's efforts clearly demonstrate their commitment to finding ways to work better and smarter.

Minnesota Commercial was recognized for "Excellence in Customer Service" for innovation in serving the energy industry's demand for frac sand. This year, Minnesota Commercial stepped forward and offered one of its energy customers an extremely successful "all inclusive" package, including transload, switching, loading, and weighing services.

About BNSF

BNSF Railway is one of North America's leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,000 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain, industrial goods and low-sulfur coal that help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. And we are working continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com.

BNSF Headquarters
BNSF Railway Company
2650 Lou Menk Dr. 2nd Floor
Fort Worth, TX 76131-2830
P.O. Box 961057
Fort Worth, TX 76161-0057
Phone: (817) 352-1000