Coal Network Update for Friday, December 20, 2024
With the holidays fast approaching, this is our last network update in 2024. The bi-weekly reporting schedule will resume in January, with the next Network Update on Friday, January 3, 2025.
Wishing all our customers a safe and joyful holiday season!
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
BNSF operating teams continue to generate strong overall service performance on the network. For the second consecutive week, total weekly volume has surpassed the 200,000-unit mark as we approach the final days of the parcel peak season. On Saturday, velocity across our Southern Region reached the highest level since early January, and our operating teams achieved this while moving about 40,000 more units across our network. Overall velocity was higher than in November, and our average terminal dwell improved by 9.1% versus the prior week and 16.9% from the previous month, reflecting our strong network momentum. Additionally, our local service metric, which measures our timeliness in managing carload freight, has improved by over two percent versus the previous week and is currently averaging above 90%.
Earlier this week, train length restrictions were implemented in response to a winter storm impacting the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. This storm has produced high winds, sub-zero temperatures, and snowfall across parts of the Northern Corridor stretching from Montana to Minnesota. These restrictions, along with the application of distributed locomotive power, enhance train braking performance during cold weather conditions. The restrictions are anticipated to be lifted on Saturday as weather conditions improve.
TRAFFIC IMPACTS IN THE KANSAS CITY REGION DUE TO LEVEE PROJECT
Starting Thursday, January 2nd, trains traveling through the Emporia Subdivision—stretching from Kansas City to Wellington in eastern Kansas—may experience intermittent delays. The delays are due to ongoing work related to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the greater Kansas City communities’ Kansas City Levees Project. This multi-year, multi-phased initiative aims to enhance the reliability and resilience of the levee and floodwall system, thereby reducing the risk of flooding from the Kansas and Missouri Rivers.
This is the first of two scheduled work windows in January at our Argentine Yard near Kansas City.
During these work windows, BNSF will reroute as much traffic as possible to minimize impacts. Due to the work required in the first window, however, BNSF has issued a temporary embargo for shipments scheduled to move through this area. Impacted customers have been notified, and we will continue to work collaboratively with them as needed to manage permits throughout this window.
About Embargoes:
Embargoes are temporary holds placed on freight to restrict the acceptance and handling of freight. You can search embargoes at the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Embargo Railinc website (enter "BNSF" in the Issuing Road field to view active embargoes).
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S OPERATING PLAN
Coal trains - both loaded and empty - will continue to operate according to normal schedules.
Please click here for more information on the Coal Christmas and New Year’s Operating Plan.
SERVICE EXPECTATIONS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD
Favorable operating conditions are expected across much of the network for the upcoming Christmas week. Midweek, a combination of rain and some snow is expected in the Midwest, and intermittent storms will bring the potential for heavy rain, mountain snow and gusty winds to parts of the West Coast this weekend and next week. As always, BNSF teams are monitoring conditions and are ready to respond quickly to any service disruptions.
We thank you for your business and appreciate the opportunity to serve as your transportation service provider. We welcome your feedback and questions.