BNSF
BNSF says its operating teams are focused on “maintaining positive performance momentum following several service interruptions caused by high wind events across the Southwest and Southern Plains last week. Our investments to strengthen the network and proactively mitigate the impacts of severe weather events mean we are able to restore service levels more quickly.”
Average car velocity for the week ending March 25, 2025, has increased compared to both the previous week and the previous month, and terminal dwell time has decreased by 0.3% compared to February, BNSF reported on March 28. The Class I’s local service compliance measure, which reflects BNSF’s timeliness in handling freight, remains steady at nearly 90%.
According to BNSF, operations are resuming at its classification (hump) yard in Tulsa, Okla., following a 48-hour outage during which BNSF crews upgraded various mechanisms to improve efficiency and terminal throughput, including the addition of a new scale and replacement of two retarders which safely control the speed at which the cars travel into their designated destination tracks. BNSF also installed upgraded yard-controlled power switches and leveraged this outage to complete track maintenance repairs. Trains were temporarily rerouted and sorted offsite to accommodate the project window.
Intermodal Update
The Southern Transcon, BNSF says, has quickly recovered from the challenges the railroad faced last week. As communicated, BNSF experienced service interruptions primarily driven by extremely strong winds above 75 mph. BNSF teams worked around the clock, “leveraging prepositioned locomotives and recent improvements in crew and resource allocation.” These efforts, the Class I says, combined with BNSf’s weather planning technology and wind fence investments, “facilitated a rapid recovery.”
Fluidity into BNSF’s Hobart facility in Los Angeles, Calif., and freight flows into the greater Chicago area have normalized, according to the Class I, which adds that it is ending this week with improved velocity across the Southern Transcon, with a 13.5% increase from the previous week, “stabilizing intermodal transit performance levels.” Particularly in BNSF’s Kansas Division and Southwest Division across Arizona and New Mexico—where the Class I experienced the most significant wind impacts—velocity has increased by 25% and 27.5%, respectively.
NS
NS recently participated in 2025 Women in Operations Summit, uniting 50 leaders and strengthening a network dedicated to advancing operational excellence. This three-day event at Brosnan Forest saw attendees engage in a dynamic blend of leadership panels, life skills workshops, and breakout sessions, gaining perspectives to navigate challenges, drive innovation, and amplify their impact.
Highlights of the event included:
- Annie Adams, Chief Human Resources Officer, discussed reviving the SPIRIT values, elevating talent strategy, scaling veteran outreach, and focusing on holistic benefits. She expressed pride while recognizing the Dollars for Doers campaign, where employees collectively contributed $1M+ and 10,000+ volunteer hours. “Our impact is greatest when we are authentic to the values and priorities of the company,” Adams said.
- Pioneering Change Panel was moderated by Jamie Helmer who moderated an open discussion with Annie Adams, Betsy Talton-Buck, Mina De Oliveira, and Angie Kolar. The panel explored their journey of navigating career transitions, relocating for opportunities, and sharing their own lessons in resilience and being adaptable.
- The Leadership Workshop was led by Ikeeta Hilliary where she spoke about identifying key challenges in the workplace and how to solve them. She “seamlessly integrated” John Orr’s words on how NS is pushing down the identification of problems and problem-solving to the right level.
- John Orr, Chief Operating Officer, emphasized leaders’ responsibility to lead with NS’s values and live a Speak Up culture. He referenced the Bradley Curve as an operational model designed to stabilize performance and drive continuous improvement. Orr delivered a meaningful message, underscoring his responsibility to enhance workplace safety.
Every individual plays a role in decision-making, and building personal credibility enhances the strength of the entire team,” NS said.
In related news, the NS Safety Train has officially kicked off its 2025 tour, training nearly 100 first responders in Norfolk, Va., last week
From tank car identification to response strategies, these free, hands-on workshops equip local heroes with the skills they need to be prepared and stay safe, according to the Class I.
“With 15 more stops ahead, we’re on track to train hundreds more first responders as part of our Operation Awareness & Response (OAR) program,” NS said.
More information is available here.
