Carload
Move your Shipments with Reliable, Cost-Effective BNSF Carload Service.
Move products efficiently across North America and reach markets around the world.
Move products efficiently across North America and reach markets around the world.
Ship with the carload leader
What we ship
From farms and factories to construction sites and manufacturing facilities, BNSF helps customers move the products that keep the economy moving.
Quentin Reyeshays
Matt Cruz
Sarah Salinas
Meet your rail sales experts
Our team is ready to help you navigate carload shipping, with the guidance, insights and support you need to strengthen your supply chain and grow your business.
Benefits
Extensive network
BNSF's network connects carload customers with suppliers, facilities and markets across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, plus access to key ports.
Flexible solutions for every stage of shipping
Whether you're shipping your first railcar or managing a growing shipment network, BNSF offers scalable carload solutions designed to evolve with your business. From single-car shipments to larger volumes, our team helps identify the right transportation strategy, equipment and service options to support changing supply chain needs.
More ways to reach the network
Even if your facility isn't directly rail-served, BNSF offers flexible ways to connect to rail — including transload facilities, team tracks and shortline partners — so you can access the benefits of rail without building your own infrastructure.
Carload 101
Learn how carload moves your shipment from origin to destination across the BNSF network.
The Origin Point
Carload shipping begins at your facility or a nearby rail-served location, where your team or a transload partner loads products into railcars. Businesses without direct rail access can use transload solutions to connect their shipments to the rail network.
The Origin Point
Carload shipping begins at your facility or a nearby rail-served location, where your team or a transload partner loads products into railcars. Businesses without direct rail access can use transload solutions to connect their shipments to the rail network.
Long-Distance by Rail
The railcar travels across the BNSF network, often covering hundreds or thousands of miles. Depending on the route, it may pass through rail yards where railcars are organized and routed before continuing toward their final destination.
The Final Destination
The railcar is delivered to the receiver's facility or a nearby rail-served location, where products are unloaded. Once empty, the railcar is returned to service, helping keep shipments moving across the network.
The Final Destination
The railcar is delivered to the receiver's facility or a nearby rail-served location, where products are unloaded. Once empty, the railcar is returned to service, helping keep shipments moving across the network.
Explore the BNSF Network
Service Options
More ways to connect to rail
Whether you have rail access today or not, BNSF offers solutions that can help connect your business to the rail network.
Transload
Use rail without building track. Transfer products between truck and rail at transload facilities across the BNSF network.
Explore transload
Best For
- No rail access at your facility
- Truck-to-rail transfers
- Growing shipment volumes
- Expanding market reach
Shortlines
Expand your reach beyond BNSF network. Shortline railroad partners connect your business to local markets and rail-served locations beyond BNSF's lines, extending rail service across thousands of additional miles.
Explore shortlines
Best For
- Reach beyond the BNSF network
- Local rail connections
- First- and last - mile service
- Long-haul connectivity
Team Tracks
Get started with rail without building private track. Use shared rail facilities to load and unload railcars without investing in your own rail infrastructure.
Explore team tracks
Best For
- Shared rail access
- Occasional shipments
- Getting started with rail
- No private track required
Shipping an oversized or weight-restricted load?
Some shipments are too large or too heavy for standard railcars and may require special handling, equipment or clearance. BNSF has the expertise and equipment to help move oversized and heavy-haul shipments safely and efficiently.
Tools and resources
Carload tools and resources
Helpful tools to plan shipments, find facilities and navigate the BNSF network.
Facilities
Find rail-served facilities and locations that fit your business.
Maps
Explore route and network maps to help plan your shipments.
Tools + Resources
Plan, ship and grow on rail
Access the equipment and rail-served locations that support your business goals.
Find the right equipment
Explore railcar options designed for different products and shipping needs.
Explore railcar typesLocate or expand on rail
Find rail-served sites and development-ready locations to support business growth.
Explore rail development optionsFrequently asked questions
Is carload rail right for my shipment?
Carload rail can be a strong option for businesses moving large volumes over longer distances. It's often used for bulk or heavy commodities, recurring shipment needs and transportation strategies that benefit from rail efficiency and reliability.
What infrastructure do I need to ship by rail?
You do not need rail track at your facility to ship by rail. Many customers begin with BNSF-served transload facilities that provide access to rail service. Businesses can also locate at a BNSF Logistics Center or Certified Site to connect directly to the network.
How do I track and manage shipments?
BNSF customers can track shipments in real time and set up status alerts through the Trace tool in the customer portal.
Is carload rail right for my shipment?
Carload rail can be a strong option for businesses moving large volumes over longer distances. It's often used for bulk or heavy commodities, recurring shipment needs and transportation strategies that benefit from rail efficiency and reliability.
What infrastructure do I need to ship by rail?
You do not need rail track at your facility to ship by rail. Many customers begin with BNSF-served transload facilities that provide access to rail service. Businesses can also locate at a BNSF Logistics Center or Certified Site to connect directly to the network.
How do I track and manage shipments?
BNSF customers can track shipments in real time and set up status alerts through the Trace tool in the customer portal.
News and Insights
Carload news and insights
Stay informed with the latest customer stories, service updates and industry news related to carload shipping.
BNSF made gains in grains in 2025
Feb 19, 2026
Despite a year of unusual market dynamics in 2025, BNSF’s agriculture business finished the year with some notable achievements. This business covers everything from field crops to fertilizer as well as renewable fuels.