Intermodal and Automotive In-Gate Restriction Plan

Date
Sep 14, 2022

As you are aware, the railroads are actively engaging in negotiations to reach voluntary agreements with all of our labor unions before the expiration of the cooling-off period this Friday, September 16. If we are unsuccessful and a work stoppage occurs, BNSF remains committed to continue moving our customers’ freight as long as possible. Accordingly, our intermodal facilities will remain open for out-gates during normal business hours for customers to pick-up units as we do not intend to close our facilities.

Customers may continue to in-gate following normal allocations through Thursday, September 15. The majority of intermodal facilities will remain open at normalized gate allocation levels through the weekend; we will, however, take additional actions to control inventory levels by restricting in-gates at select intermodal and automotive facilities on Friday, September 16 at 12:01 am, as follows:

  • Intermodal: Cicero, Corwith, Memphis, Seattle International Gateway (SIG) and South Seattle Intermodal Facilities:
    • Effective 12:01 am on Friday, September 16, BNSF will close all in-gates for loaded or empty intermodal units
  • Automotive: Birmingham, Logistics Park Chicago, Kansas City and Richmond Automotive Facilities:
    • Effective 12:01 am on Friday, September 16, BNSF will close all in-gates for all automobiles

Some in-gate allocations may continue into next week, if necessary, to control inventory levels depending on the outcome of the negotiations between the railroads and our labor unions. All other BNSF intermodal and automotive facilities will continue to allow in-gates at normalized allocation levels.

Even if ongoing negotiations do not lead to agreements with the remaining unions before Friday, we ask that you continue to pick up containers and trailers. Our facilities will remain open for out-gating regardless of the outcome of these negotiations to reduce lot congestion, provide the space needed to process freight and ensure we are able to resume operations as quickly as possible. As a reminder, BNSF has multiple tools available for customers to track their shipments.

The situation remains fluid, and BNSF will continue to update you as more information becomes available. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your marketing representative.