More companies are realizing the benefits of intermodal shipping; it creates
opportunities for growth while saving energy and reducing pollution. BNSF is
working with a number of trucking companies to put trailers and containers
on rail for the long haul while trucks continue to handle the local pickup and
delivery. One intermodal train can carry the equivalent of 280 truckloads. Every
container shipped by rail means one less long-haul truck on the highway – easing
congestion, reducing pollution and saving energy.
We reduce emissions at our facilities through the use of:
•
Wide-span electric cranes
that produce zero emissions on-site and
significantly reduce the number of trucks needed to move containers within
the rail yard. These cranes also generate electricity while they work, which
recharges internal batteries and conserves electricity.
•
Automated gates
use digital cameras to record images of containers, chassis,
tractors and unit numbers as they enter the intermodal facility. In addition, drivers
are identified using a biometric system. These new gates have increased facility
throughput and reduced truck-idling time and air emissions by 50 percent.
Intermodal Efficiency
For the past four years, BNSF has provided its intermodal, automotive, industrial and
agricultural customers with individualized reports of their
total rail carbon footprint
(emission of greenhouse gas). In 2012, our analysis showed that customers reduced
their total carbon output more than 30 million metric tons by shipping on BNSF rather
than over the highway. This is equivalent to reducing the consumption and resultant
emissions of 3 billion gallons of fuel, or taking 6 million passenger vehicles off the road.
Customer Carbon Estimator
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