Class I Briefs: BNSF, CN, UP

BNSF 

The first railcars have arrived at Hudson Asphalt Terminal’s new facility located at BNSF’s Hudson, Colo.-based logistics center, according to the Class I railroad. The ground-up asphalt storage and distribution facility was designed and constructed by ECF Inc. of Columbia, Ill.; broke ground Oct. 1, 2023; and started unloading its first cars in July, some 10 months later, BNSF reported Aug. 1 via social media. Hudson Asphalt Terminal is serving the Front Range with a new supply source of asphalt binder.

BNSF noted that businesses at its logistics centers “can save nine months or more of development time and expense because the common infrastructure is established with graded, shovel-ready sites.” These facilities are designed to serve both manifest mixed freight and unit train single commodity customers. 

In related news, BNSF in June announced continued plans to develop a logistics hub on approximately 4,321 acres in northwest Maricopa County near Phoenix, Ariz., and last fall designated three new locations on its network—two in Iowa and one in Kansas—as Certified Sites, part of the railroad’s Premier Parks, Sites and Transload Program, bringing the total to 35.

CN

Chemical manufacturer LyondellBasell has recognized CN with a 2023 GoalZERO Award for excellence in transportation safety. “This award is a testament to our teams’ dedication to ensuring a safe environment for all,” the Canadian Class I reported Aug. 1 via LinkedIn. “We believe ZERO is possible and strive for zero serious injuries, zero fatalities, and zero harm in our workplaces. Kudos to Justus Watson, Account Manager, Petroleum & Chemicals, and all involved Sales & Marketing, Safety and Operations teams. We are proud to continue our journey toward zero incidents and injuries with LyondellBasell.”

Houston, Tex.-based LynondellBasell specializes in petrochemicals (intermediates and derivatives), olefins and polyolefins, refining, licensed technologies, chemicals, fuels, and plastics.

CN last fall announced the winners of its 2023 Safe Handling Awards, which were presented to customers who “load freight cars with dangerous goods and meet strict standards for the safe handling and shipment of regulated products.”

UP

UP on Aug. 1 announced the unveiling of a new mural portraying its “proud 162-year mission of Building America.” Located in the Omaha, Neb.-based Union Pacific Center, the mural is a “visual history of the people and machinery responsible for hauling the nation’s freight,” and “represents Safety, Service and Operational Excellence in action, highlighting Union Pacific’s investments in infrastructure and intermodal growth,” according to the railroad.

The mural was digitally painted and printed on fabric, and measures 36 feet by 8 feet. It is available for viewing by employees and the general public during regular business hours in the first-floor atrium, according to UP.

“I think it’s really important when our teams go to work each day, we see who we are and what we do,” UP CEO Jim Vena said. “We are railroaders. This beautiful mural brings that to life as a reminder to all of us about the legacy we are carrying forward and the future we are building.”

“From the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and the evolution of locomotive power to the telegraph and the latest technology, this mural colorfully illustrates the growth of the UP system and the rail industry,” said Patricia LaBounty, Union Pacific Railroad Museum Curator.

Separately, UP is seeking mediation through the Surface Transportation Board to resolve two “fundamental issues”—track access and maintenance fees—that have become a sticking point in forging a new contract with Chicago regional/commuter rail operator Metra.