BNSF
BNSF on Sept. 4 announced that it will open an intermodal facility in Oklahoma City. The 42-acre site, which will launch in mid-November, was “a direct result” of a partnership with customer Hobby Lobby, which “was looking for a simpler and more economical movement of its loaded containers from the ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach to the network of Hobby Lobby distribution centers in OKC,” according to the railroad.
In the future, Oklahoma farmers and other businesses will have the opportunity to utilize the facility for export to the West Coast, the railroad reported.
“Expanding into this new rail market is a great example of us listening to our customers’ needs and looking for ways to provide solutions that will spur shared growth opportunities across the region,” BNSF Group Vice President of Consumer Products Jon Gabriel said. “We are excited to offer this unique solution to Hobby Lobby, which creates a much more effective supply chain and at full potential could eliminate up to 40,000 truck moves off the highway each year.”
“This is an exciting opportunity for Hobby Lobby to partner with the BNSF,” Hobby Lobby Chief Financial Officer Jon Cargill commented. “As we grow our business, more efficient movement of product will allow us to continue to offer the great value our customers have come to expect.”
BNSF also has an automotive facility in Oklahoma City.
Further Reading:
CSX
CSX on Sept. 3 reported that Diageo, Geocycle LLC, and Chemours have received 2025 Customer Environmental Excellence Awards “for their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable supply chain solutions through rail transportation.” Together, the three companies eliminated more than 38,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions by choosing rail, CSX said.
Now in its fourth year, the annual awards program honors customers who are demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship by shifting freight from truck to rail; helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions; and supporting a cleaner, more sustainable future, according to the Class I railroad.
“Rail is the most fuel-efficient way to move freight over land, and when our customers choose CSX, they’re also choosing to reduce their environmental impact,” said Kevin Boone, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at CSX. “We’re proud to partner with Diageo, Geocycle, and Chemours, and all of our customers who are making sustainability a priority and taking measurable steps to decarbonize their supply chains.”
Meanwhile, CSX on Sept. 4 reported that Massena Industrial Land is New York’s first CSX Select Site. A bronze-level site, it is “strategically positioned” in Massena, St. Lawrence County, N.Y. It offers 209.2-acres, direct CSX rail service, full utility access, and immediate proximity to major U.S. and Canadian transportation corridors, according to the railroad. “With extensive due diligence completed, the site is ready for immediate development in logistics, advanced manufacturing, or cross-border distribution,” CSX said.
The railroad last month reported presenting the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation with a commemorative rail spike, celebrating Madisonville Industrial Park II as Kentucky’s first Silver Level CSX Select Site.
Sites that earn CSX Select Site designation are said to “meet stringent criteria for infrastructure, site preparedness, and streamlined regulatory compliance, ensuring they are ready for immediate development.”
For more on CSX Select Sites, read: Diageo North America Establishes Beverage Distribution Plant at CSX Select Site, Rickenbacker South Industrial Rail Park Receives CSX Select Site Platinum Designation, CSX Adds Eight Rail-Served Properties to ‘Select Site’ Program, and CSX Launches Select Site Online Property Search Tool.
NS
“Shout out to our railroaders at Decatur Yard in Illinois for hitting a major safety milestone: 365 days injury-free and counting!” NS reported via social media on Sept. 4.
This is an “incredible achievement,” it said, “at the largest flat switching yard in North America.” The 3.6 mile-long facility moves 1,000-plus railcars per day and serves agricultural customers.
“To our team at Decatur: thank you for all you do to stay safe and look out for one another,” NS wrote in its post. “Your hard work and dedication keep us—and the world’s food supply chain—safely rolling, 24/7.”
Further Reading:
- UP, NS Notify STB of Intent to File Merger Application
- One Merger at a Time, Please
- Deal Vs. No Deal
- Vena’s Art of the Deal With NS
- UP+NS: An ‘Absolute Monster of a Railroad’
- NS Issues Sustainability, Safety, Operations, Community Impact Report
- NS Showcases Restored Illinois Terminal Heritage Unit
- NS Delivers ‘Strong’ 2Q25 Results
- Shippers Appeal Rail Price-Fixing Win
- NS’s Adams Tops 2025 Women in Rail Lineup
- Rail Insights 2025 Takeaways
