Agricultural Products Network Update for Friday, November 8, 2024
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
BNSF operating teams are responding to a derailment that occurred early this morning in New Mexico approximately 60 miles east of Gallup, on the Southern Transcon, our primary route between Southern California and the Midwest. Both main line tracks are currently out of service. Engineering and equipment are at the scene and the first main track is estimated to reopen this afternoon, with the second main line estimated to be back in service overnight. In addition, a major winter storm is bringing heavy snow and high winds to locations in northeastern New Mexico, eastern Colorado and portions of the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles. Winter Action Plans have been implemented across the impacted operating divisions to ensure that our workforce is prepared to work safely, equipment is positioned to keep trains moving and we are able to quickly add resources in response to any service interruption. The storm will start to dissipate overnight, however, customers with shipments designated to move through this region should expect delays until operations have fully normalized.
BNSF teams in California are focused on improving network fluidity following several service interruptions that occurred this week. Traffic flows to/from California are also being impacted by the winter storm on the Transcon and are expected to improve through the weekend and into next week.
Before the most recent service interruptions, overall car velocity increased slightly from the prior week and level for October. The average terminal dwell was marginally higher than the previous week but was reduced nearly two percent from last month. Our local service compliance measure is running at nearly 90%.
SERVICE EXPECTATIONS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD
Thunderstorms, with the potential for heavy rain and strong winds, are expected in parts of Oklahoma and north-central Texas this afternoon and this evening. BNSF teams in the region are monitoring conditions for any potential service impacts.
In most other areas of the network, favorable operating conditions are expected through the weekend and into next week.
We thank you for your business and appreciate the opportunity to serve as your transportation service provider. We welcome your feedback and questions.