News Release

BNSF Launches Unique Web-Based Coal Forecasting Tool

FORT WORTH, Texas, January 25, 2001:

The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) today announced it has launched a Web-based tool that allows mines and utilities to forecast coal production and demand, the first of its kind in the rail industry.

Located at a secure area of the BNSF Web site, the Web-based Coal Forecasting Tool facilitates information-sharing between mines and utilities.

The forecasting tool allows mines to accurately report the number of tons of coal they will produce, while utilities can indicate coal demand. The supply and demand information is updated between the twentieth day of the current month and the fifth day of the next month. On the fifth day of each month, the forecast is “locked.” BNSF can then use this information to develop operating plans designed to ensure an even flow of coal from BNSF served mines to utilities, and other coal receivers across the country — creating a more efficient coal distribution system.

“This feature is unique in that it allows all parties to see what each is expecting in real time,” said Tom Kraemer, group vice president, Coal Business Unit. “We learned that the system of sending e-mails, faxes or phone calls wasn’t always working. This new Web-based tool will help ensure that BNSF continues to meet our coal customers’ expectations.”

Last year, BNSF enhanced its Web site to include more information about rail operations, including weekly coal statistics and service advisories. The new Web tool announced today furthers BNSF’s commitment to better serving the coal market.

Headquartered in Fort Worth, BNSF operates one of the largest rail networks in North America, with 33,500 route miles of track covering 28 states and two Canadian provinces.

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