e-Railsafe Program

Security has become a major concern for our nation, particularly in the transportation industry. Companies and individuals who transport our nation's goods can be targets for terrorism because of their access to the railroad's shipments and property. It is imperative for contractors to be thoroughly screened and trained in security measures. It is here, in the railroad industry, that new measures must be taken to ensure the safety of all involved - from railroad personnel to railroad contractors. For further information click here, or to enroll using the e-RAILSAFE web site, click here.

Ensuring the trustworthiness of your employees crosses boundaries from your own company to those of the railroads you serve and the country we live in. Not only must you consider the potential problems of theft and accidents, you must also be aware of potential terrorist threats. People may infiltrate your company to gain access to railroad property.

Program Processes

The following flow charts explain various facets of the program:

For an overview click here, or to enroll and use the various processes in the e-RAILSAFE web site, click here.

Service Partner Compliance

The railroad reserves the right to audit any contractors regarding this practice.

Benefits to Railroads

The contractor screening program allows each railroad to monitor and maintain a history of anyone that has had or currently maintains access to their property. The level of screening accomplished will ensure all contract personnel have undergone testing, a background investigation, and received a proper identification badge.

Program Criteria for Denial of Access to BNSF Properties

1. Conviction of a felony offense in the last 7 years.
2. Release from a penal institution in the last 5 years.
3. Active misdemeanor and felony warrants.
4. Any pending felony charge.
5. Social Security fraud alerts.
6. Crimes of concern.

Service partner employees denied access through one of the above listed items may appeal that decision through the e-Railsafe program. Details for this procedure can be found on the e-Railsafe website.

Permanent Disqualifiers

A service partner employee convicted of any of the following crimes will be permanently denied access to BNSF properties..

Permanent disqualifying criminal offenses ("Unlimited look back")

1. Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage.
2. Sedition or conspiracy to commit sedition.
3. Treason or conspiracy to commit treason.
4. A federal crime of terrorism (18 U.S.C. 2332(g)) or comparable State law.
5. A crime involving a TSI (transportation security incident). Note: A transportation security incident is a security incident resulting in a significant loss of life, environmental damage, transportation system disruption, or economic disruption in a particular area. The term "economic disruption" does not include a work stoppage or other employee-related action not related to terrorism and resulting from an employer-employee dispute.
6. Improper transportation of a hazardous material under 49 U.S.C. 5124 or a comparable state law.
7. Unlawful possession, use, sale, distribution, manufacture, purchase...or dealing in an explosive or explosive device.
8. Murder.
9. Threat or maliciously conveying false information knowing the same to be false, concerning the deliverance, placement, or detonation of an explosive or other lethal device in or against a place of public use, a state or government facility, a public transportation system, or an infrastructure facility.
10. Certain RICO (Racketeer influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act violations where one of the predicate acts consists of one of the permanently disqualifying crimes.
11. Attempt to commit the crimes in items (a)(1)-(a)(4).
12. Conspiracy or attempt to commit the crimes in items (a)(5)-(a)(10)
13. Convictions for (a)(1)-(4) are not eligible for a waiver.
14. Train Wrecking.