Delivering with integrity
"In honoring our 175+ year legacy and building a better future, we continuously strive to do the right thing – safely, efficiently, and transparently."
Katie Farmer
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Code of Conduct plays a critical role in our ongoing ethics and compliance efforts and is an integral part of our Vision & Values. Together, our Code of Conduct, Vision & Values, and Leadership Model call on employees to act professionally at work, with integrity and honesty, while always showing respect for others.
BNSF Railway's culture of integrity is manifested in our Code of Conduct, which focuses on ethical behavior, integrity, and legal compliance. As leaders and representatives of BNSF, we are accountable for our actions and are responsible for promoting honest and ethical conduct.
The Code of Conduct is a valuable resource that can help us identify problems before they arise and can provide support when we aren't sure what to do in a specific business situation.
BNSF vision
Our vision is to realize the tremendous potential of BNSF by providing transportation services that consistently meet our customers' expectations.
BNSF values
To live the vision, BNSF's employees embrace a set of shared values:
BNSF Railway Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.; therefore, BNSF employees must also comply with the Berkshire Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. BNSF has aligned our Code of Conduct with Berkshire Hathaway's so that when you comply with the BNSF Code of Conduct, you also comply with the Berkshire Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
Policies Provide the Full Picture
This Code of Conduct offers broad guidelines. For details on areas covered by the Code, consult our BNSF Policies and Corporate Rules. The most current version of each Policy and Corporate Rule is on the Compliance and Audit internal site of MyBNSF employee portal.
Tools and resources
For any action you're considering, ask yourself the following questions:
Compliance
Does it comply with the law and applicable regulations?
Alignment
Does it align with BNSF's Corporate Policies, Vision & Values and Code of Conduct?
Conflict of interest
Does it uphold our expectations to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest?
Transparency
Would you be comfortable explaining this action to your supervisor or another BNSF leader?
How did you answer?
If you answered NO to any of the questions, don't proceed. The action could present serious consequences for you and the company.
If you answered NO to any of the questions, don't proceed. The action could present serious consequences for you and the company.
If you are unsure about the answer to any of the questions, don't proceed and seek guidance from your supervisor and/or the BNSF Compliance Team.
If you are unsure about the answer to any of the questions, don't proceed and seek guidance from your supervisor and/or the BNSF Compliance Team.
If you comfortably answered YES to every question, it would seem reasonable for you to proceed.
If you comfortably answered YES to every question, it would seem reasonable for you to proceed.
BNSF takes seriously any behavior that is unethical, illegal, or in conflict with BNSF Policies, Corporate Rules, or the Code of Conduct. Any BNSF employee who is aware of such conduct must immediately report the behavior.
BNSF promptly and thoroughly investigates all reported complaints to determine whether improper conduct has occurred. Employees with relevant information may be contacted by an investigator in Human Resources or Compliance and are expected to fully cooperate. Following an investigation, BNSF will take corrective action, if warranted under the circumstances, as determined by BNSF in its sole discretion. This Code of Conduct is not a contract for services and does not alter the employment-at-will relationship between BNSF and its employees.
If you’re uncomfortable reporting an issue to your supervisor or a Human Resources representative, you may also file a report through the BNSF Hotline (800-533-BNSF). All reports made to www.brk-hotline.com are received by an outside third party and may be made anonymously.
Non-retaliation policy
Preventing Retaliation
Retaliation for good-faith reporting of an apparent or actual violation or for participating in any investigation of a suspected violation is strictly prohibited. Potential examples of disallowed retaliation may include:
Employees who are aware of ethical misconduct must immediately report the behavior. BNSF strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports concerns in good faith. And reporting is the right thing to do. Silence may allow problems to grow. Employees are empowered to speak up for what's right – it's what helps keep our people safe and upholds our culture of integrity.
Integrity check
Let's say you've noticed unethical behavior, such as action that constitutes a conflict of interest or safety violation, but you're hesitant to report the behavior because you're afraid of retaliation. What should you do?
Let's say you've noticed unethical behavior, such as action that constitutes a conflict of interest or safety violation, but you're hesitant to report the behavior because you're afraid of retaliation. What should you do?
Take action
Employees who are aware of ethical misconduct must immediately report the behavior. BNSF strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports concerns in good faith. And reporting is the right thing to do. Silence may allow problems to grow. Employees are empowered to speak up for what's right – it's what helps keep our people safe and upholds our culture of integrity.
Employees who are aware of ethical misconduct must immediately report the behavior. BNSF strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports concerns in good faith. And reporting is the right thing to do. Silence may allow problems to grow. Employees are empowered to speak up for what's right – it's what helps keep our people safe and upholds our culture of integrity.
BNSF Hotline
If you’re uncomfortable reporting an issue to your supervisor or a Human Resources representative, you may also file a report through the BNSF Hotline (800-533-BNSF or the BNSF Hotline). All reports made to www.brk-hotline.com are received by an outside third party and may be made anonymously.
If you’re uncomfortable reporting an issue to your supervisor or a Human Resources representative, you may also file a report through the BNSF Hotline (800-533-BNSF or the BNSF Hotline). All reports made to www.brk-hotline.com are received by an outside third party and may be made anonymously.
Questions?
If you have questions, you can find out who you need to contact here.
If you have questions, you can find out who you need to contact here.
Read and download BNSF policies
Anti-retaliation policy
Read BNSF's anti-relation policy
Download now (PDF)Equal employment opportunity, anti-discrimination and harassment policy
Read BNSF's Equal employment opportunity, anti-discrimination and harassment policy
Download now (PDF)
