BNSF News

Improved Velocity at Lincoln Terminal Achieved with "Best Way"

2009-10-05

On Sept. 23, Lincoln Terminal employees achieved something they have never done before: departed 100 consecutive originating trains on time.

At the same time, terminal employees set a new record for intermediate train performance. "Out of the 63 intermediate trains that came through the terminal, 86 percent of them departed on time. This is a huge accomplishment for the team," said Jeff Wetta, manager operations, Service Excellence.

Lincoln is different from many other terminals that have implemented the Best Way processes because the terminal handles a high number of both empty and loaded coal trains on an intermediate basis. The Service Excellence teams worked with the local team to develop a standardized intermediate screen shot in TSS Xpress that identifies the key process steps, handoffs among all departments at the terminal and standardized communications. This screen plays a vital role in communicating the train goals to all the departments that process trains through the terminal.

The standardized screen has a new TSS Xpress field for the Transportation Service Plan -- or TSP -- goal. TSP is the schedule for the train from origin departure to destination arrival. The screen updates the departure time according to its terminal TSP arrival time. Rich Duncan, assistant terminal superintendent in Lincoln said, "This field has changed the way we plan trains arriving and departing. It effectively communicates our intermediate goals for everyone involved."

Donnie Stilwell, Lincoln Terminal manager, and Rick Batten, Lincoln Control yardmaster, agree that "Best Way" has helped Lincoln Terminal's performance.

Stilwell said, "Improved communication and development of standard screen shots in TSS Xpress have allowed easy identification of intermediate train departure goals by all key stakeholders in the terminal."

"'Best Way' created standard communication and roles for all Lincoln Terminal employees," Batten said. "This has enabled us to set performance records that we would not have been able to attain otherwise."

Along with screen shots, the internal alert process has bridged the communication gap among departments. "If one department falls short on a process, the other department can help pull together a win for the team," Duncan said. "The improvement in our performance metrics speaks for itself."

Gary Gandara, car foreman in Lincoln, said, "Best Way has knocked down the barriers between our departments. It is great to see the departments working together for the same goal."

BNSF Headquarters

For more information on the company and its transportation solutions, visit the BNSF Web site at www.bnsf.com