03-20-20 Update - BNSF COVID-19 Response

BNSF continues to address the unprecedented situation involving the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As we reported, we have instituted additional health and safety measures, according to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other agencies, to mitigate exposure risks to COVID-19. Thanks to the commitment and dedication of BNSF employees, normal train operations and rail service have been maintained.


BNSF employee ensuring locomotive cab and equipment is clean, sanitized, and ready to go for train crews

Earlier this week, the U.S. and Canadian governments agreed on a joint closure of the border to all non-essential traffic. An agreement to partially close the U.S./Mexico border has also been announced. These closures, which are expected to take effect tomorrow, do not apply to cross-border trade involving freight. We are closely monitoring this situation but no impacts to shipments designated to move either to/from Canada or to/from Mexico are anticipated at this time.

Several jurisdictions in the U.S., including the states of California and Illinois, have issued "shelter-in-place" orders or other travel restrictions in the past several days. According to guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), railroad employees are identified as critical infrastructure workers and should be considered exempt from these restrictions. DHS establishes that the work of BNSF to deliver food, fuel, medicine and other supplies is vital to the nation's ability to respond to the current pandemic. We are currently not experiencing, and do not anticipate, any significant disruption to BNSF operations due to these orders.

While all BNSF facilities remain open, we understand that some customers have been affected by mandated closures or other impacts related to COVID-19. If your facility has suspended operations, either fully or partially, please notify BNSF so we can help. You can submit your information through the online form.

We are focused on meeting your supply chain needs during this challenging time. With your ongoing collaboration, we are ready to assist with making necessary service adjustments and continue to provide the reliable, efficient freight transportation you expect from us.

As always at BNSF, the safety of our employees and contractors, customers and the communities we serve is the most important thing we do. For more information, please visit our Coronavirus COVID-19 Response webpage.

Thank you for your business. We will continue to provide additional updates as developments occur.