BNSF
BNSF on Feb. 28 provided an intermodal network update, stating that it has made “significant progress” in its recovery efforts in the Class I’s Northern Corridor, following a prolonged period of extreme winter weather conditions. As communicated earlier last week, BNSF experienced a derailment on Feb. 24 in Montana. “Thanks to the hard work of BNSF teams, the main track was returned to service late Wednesday evening,” the Class I said.
Trains holding in the North have decreased substantially and BNSF headed into the weekend with the backlog nearly clear. Overall velocity is up nearly 20% as BNSF closed out the week and momentum continues to build, the Class I noted. Operating teams continue to proceed with caution as temperatures thaw snow and ice, with BNSF maintenance crews conducting additional rail inspections to ensure safe freight movement.
Across BNSF’s Southern Transcon, spanning from Southern California to the Midwest, the Class I says it continues to “move strong volumes at industry-leading speeds.” Average velocity in the South Region is up 17% this February versus last February and BNSF has seen a 5% increase in volume over the past month. Additionally, the capital expansion benefits in Kansas of approximately 50 miles of new double track on BNSF’s Emporia Subdivision are enabling “higher velocity across the region and a significant increase in trains per day.”
BNSF says its key service metrics reflect the Class I’s recent challenges in the north, with reduced car velocity and higher terminal dwell times compared to the previous week and month. BNSF’s local service compliance measurement is near 90% and improved versus the prior week and month.
Additionally, BNSF teams are monitoring continued snow melt across Montana for potential flooding. “We are also watching a system developing across the Great Plains with a potential threat of bringing severe storms early next week to the Southern Plains and Mississippi Valley that could bring high winds and flash flooding,” the Class I said. “Favorable operating conditions are anticipated for the rest of the BNSF network throughout the upcoming week.”
CN
CN recently announced via LinkedIn that its partner Crowley’s Mexico Gulf Express service will launch on May 16, “enhancing North American trade with a fast, efficient ocean-rail connection.”
“With CN’s rail service linking Canada to the U.S. South, our network reaches the Port of Tuxpan, the closest gateway to Mexico City—creating new opportunities for growth and strengthening supply chain resilience across the continent,” the Class I said.
CSX
CSX recently announced via an X post that its 2025 Responder Incident Training in Baldwin, Fla., debuted its CSXT 911343—a training locomotive honoring the 343 Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) heroes lost on 9/11.
Approximately 150 first responders learned vital rail emergency skills. “Together, we’re building safer communities,” CSX said.
