Dimensional Shipments

Dimensional loads are typically described as any load on a railcar exceeding 17ft. 00 in. above the top of rail and/or 11ft. 00 in. wide, or anything that overhangs the end sills of the railcar.

Step-by-Step Guide for Shipping Dimensional Freight

Request Clearance:

All dimensional shipments must receive clearance from the rail carrier(s). Clearance requests need to be submitted to the originating rail carrier.

BNSF implemented a new Pay-For-Proposal model for dimensional clearance requests, effective March 11, 2009.

If the shipment will originate on BNSF Railway, please login above to BNSF.com and access the Dimensional Clearance Request Form.

Note: For instructions on how to register for BNSF.com or how to access the Dimensional Clearance Request Form, click here.

Obtain Rate:

Once your shipment has been cleared by the rail carrier(s), you will need to receive a shipping rate.

Shipping rates can be accessed by selecting the commodity type on the BNSF Railprices website.

To find a BNSF Marketing representative for your commodity, visit: http://domino.bnsf.com/website/stcc.nsf
Request a Heavy Duty Railcar:

Heavy duty railcar requests should be submitted to the originating rail carrier once the proposed shipment has been approved/cleared by the originating railroad's clearance team. Availability of a railcar is subject to current supply conditions, so please allow for 2-4 weeks for delivery.

If the shipment will originate on BNSF Railway, please login above to BNSF.com and access the Dimensional Equipment Request Form.

Note: For instructions on how to register for BNSF.com or how to access the new Dimensional Equipment Request Form, click here.

Note: A valid "BNSF File Number of Approved Proposal" is required on the equipment request form
Load & Secure Shipment:

Load and secure railcar according to AAR Open Top Loading Rules. Shipments can be loaded to a specific figure or the General Rules. To obtain a copy of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual, please contact the AAR at 877-999-8824 or e-mail your request to pubs@ttci.aar.com.

Note: Please contact and schedule an inspection 1 week prior to loading and securing the shipment to ensure AAR and BNSF compliance (See the Receive Inspection section below for contact information).
Receive Inspection:

All loaded dimensional shipments must receive securement inspection and measurements prior to shipment from the originating rail carrier. If your shipment requires an eight-axle or greater heavy duty equipment, please contact Transportation Technology Services, Inc. (TTS) via phone or email for the inspection.

Transportation Technology Services
Scott Landrum, PE
(817) 421-3535
railengineering@aol.com

Otherwise, contact a BNSF General Foreman for arrangements for an inspection from BNSF's Mechanical Inspector. To access a list of General Foreman contacts and phone numbers by location, please click here.

Note: All loads must be approved by TTS or a BNSF Mechanical Inspector before the shipment can receive final clearance and moved.
Submit Shipping Instructions:

Proper shipping instructions are necessary for BNSF to provide the correct transportation services and invoice the appropriate rate.

*For all dimensional shipments, you must indicate on the Bill of Lading that the shipment is a Hi-Wide.

To submit shipping instructions you must use one of the following methods:
- Electronic data interchange (EDI)
- BNSF.com: Login above and go to the Ship tab
- Voice Activated: 888-428-2673
- Rail industry web (Steelroads): https://www.steelroads.com
Note: For shipments moving on multiple railroads, shipping instructions are sent to the originating rail carrier.
Monitor Shipment:

BNSF offers custom reports, unit trace and notification alert capabilities to assist you in monitoring your shipment.

To monitor your shipments on BNSF railway
- BNSF.com: Login above and go to the Ship tab
- Voice Activated: 888-428-2673 (Available 24/7)