Team Tracks and Temporary Rail Access
If your business needs rail access but does not have direct rail service, BNSF can help you explore options based on your shipment volume, location and operating needs.
If your business needs rail access but does not have direct rail service, BNSF can help you explore options based on your shipment volume, location and operating needs.
Rail access options for your business
Depending on your shipment volume, location and operating needs, a team track, private track or leased track may be an option. Explore the differences below to determine which rail-access solution best fits your needs.
What is a team track?
A team track provides temporary rail access for businesses that do not have direct rail service. These BNSF-designated tracks are available for shared customer use and can be used to load or unload railcars when shipment and business requirements are met and the move has been reviewed by BNSF.
A team track provides temporary rail access for businesses that do not have direct rail service. These BNSF-designated tracks are available for shared customer use and can be used to load or unload railcars when shipment and business requirements are met and the move has been reviewed by BNSF.
Other rail-access options
Other arrangements may include private track owned by another industry or BNSF track leased to another business. These options require BNSF review and may require the track owner’s or lessee’s consent, appropriate agreements and applicable insurance.
Other arrangements may include private track owned by another industry or BNSF track leased to another business. These options require BNSF review and may require the track owner’s or lessee’s consent, appropriate agreements and applicable insurance.
Find the right option for your shipment
Tell us about your shipment, location and operating needs. We'll review the information and help determine whether a team track, private track or leased track may be an option.
Tell us about your shipment, location and operating needs. We'll review the information and help determine whether a team track, private track or leased track may be an option.
Glossary, definitions and team track guidance
Team track
A team track is a track designated by BNSF for use by multiple customers. To access BNSF property, your company must have an executed Right of Entry and Use Agreement and applicable insurance coverage. BNSF review and approval are required. The party loading or unloading railcars must also maintain appropriate insurance.
Transloader
Transload companies provide facilities and services that transfer shipments between railcars and trucks. Approved transloaders already maintain compliant insurance and appropriate agreements with BNSF. Because those requirements are already in place, transloading is often the preferred option.
Private track (industry-owned)
A private track is owned by another business or industry. The track owner must maintain insurance that meets applicable requirements.
Leased track
A leased track is owned by BNSF and leased to another business. To use a leased track, BNSF and the current lessee may need to approve amendments to the existing agreement or establish a new agreement. Your company must also maintain compliant insurance coverage.
Prohibited commodities
Certain commodities are not allowed on team tracks, including:
- Hazardous waste
- Nonhazardous waste
- Petroleum products
- Placarded hazardous materials
- Explosives
- Scrap and salvage materials
- Mining ores and slag
- Plastic pellets
- Cement products
BNSF may approve certain controlled-use commodities at designated locations following review.
Demurrage policies
Demurrage charges apply to customers who use team tracks and temporary usage tracks. BNSF may assess charges when railcars remain beyond the allotted free time for loading or unloading. Refer to the Demurrage Policy for complete terms and conditions.
Insurance requirements
Companies using team tracks must maintain insurance that meets BNSF requirements. Coverage typically includes:
- General Liability
- Auto Liability
- Workers' Compensation
BNSF Railway may need to be named as an additional insured where applicable. Companies may also need to provide proof of insurance before receiving approval.
Who to contact
For questions about team tracks, temporary rail access, approvals or site requirements, contact the Team Track and Temporary Track Use Team. The team can help determine the best loading or unloading option for your shipment and guide you through the approval process.
Team track
A team track is a track designated by BNSF for use by multiple customers. To access BNSF property, your company must have an executed Right of Entry and Use Agreement and applicable insurance coverage. BNSF review and approval are required. The party loading or unloading railcars must also maintain appropriate insurance.
Transloader
Transload companies provide facilities and services that transfer shipments between railcars and trucks. Approved transloaders already maintain compliant insurance and appropriate agreements with BNSF. Because those requirements are already in place, transloading is often the preferred option.
Private track (industry-owned)
A private track is owned by another business or industry. The track owner must maintain insurance that meets applicable requirements.
Leased track
A leased track is owned by BNSF and leased to another business. To use a leased track, BNSF and the current lessee may need to approve amendments to the existing agreement or establish a new agreement. Your company must also maintain compliant insurance coverage.
Prohibited commodities
Certain commodities are not allowed on team tracks, including:
- Hazardous waste
- Nonhazardous waste
- Petroleum products
- Placarded hazardous materials
- Explosives
- Scrap and salvage materials
- Mining ores and slag
- Plastic pellets
- Cement products
BNSF may approve certain controlled-use commodities at designated locations following review.
Demurrage policies
Demurrage charges apply to customers who use team tracks and temporary usage tracks. BNSF may assess charges when railcars remain beyond the allotted free time for loading or unloading. Refer to the Demurrage Policy for complete terms and conditions.
Insurance requirements
Companies using team tracks must maintain insurance that meets BNSF requirements. Coverage typically includes:
- General Liability
- Auto Liability
- Workers' Compensation
BNSF Railway may need to be named as an additional insured where applicable. Companies may also need to provide proof of insurance before receiving approval.
Who to contact
For questions about team tracks, temporary rail access, approvals or site requirements, contact the Team Track and Temporary Track Use Team. The team can help determine the best loading or unloading option for your shipment and guide you through the approval process.