Dedicated train
A Smarter Way to Move Single-Product Shipments
Move high volumes of one product from a single origin to a single destination — efficiently.
Move high volumes of one product from a single origin to a single destination — efficiently.
Rail scale that works for you
What we ship
BNSF connects manufacturing centers, agricultural producers, ports and inland distribution networks across North America.
Meet your rail sales experts
Our team of experts is ready to help you navigate the world of dedicated train shipping. We'll provide the insights and support you need to optimize your supply chain and achieve your business goals.
Benefits
Move bulk products efficiently
Dedicated trains handle large volumes of a single bulk product — coal, grain, minerals, liquids, special project cargo and oversized products such as wind blades.
Direct service from origin to destination
Your shipment travels nonstop from one origin to one destination. Fewer touches mean less handling, better efficiency and a more reliable move.
Get more from your infrastructure investment
Dedicated service is built around your operations and your long-term supply chain needs. That means more value from the track, equipment and facilities you already own.
Unit Train 101
Learn how unit trains move large volumes of a single product efficiently from origin to destination across the BNSF network.
The Origin Point
Unit train shipping begins at a facility designed to load large volumes of a single commodity, such as grain, coal or other bulk products. Railcars are loaded together and assembled into a dedicated train, helping create an efficient shipping process from the start.
The Origin Point
Unit train shipping begins at a facility designed to load large volumes of a single commodity, such as grain, coal or other bulk products. Railcars are loaded together and assembled into a dedicated train, helping create an efficient shipping process from the start.
Long-Distance by Rail
The unit train travels across the BNSF network as a single shipment, often covering hundreds or thousands of miles. Because the train stays together throughout the journey and does not need to be separated or combined with other freight, it can provide efficient, reliable transportation for high-volume products.
The Final Destination
The unit train arrives at the destination facility, where products are unloaded for delivery, processing or storage. Once unloaded, the railcars are returned to service, helping support the continued movement of large-scale shipments across the network.
The Final Destination
The unit train arrives at the destination facility, where products are unloaded for delivery, processing or storage. Once unloaded, the railcars are returned to service, helping support the continued movement of large-scale shipments across the network.
Explore our 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 solutions
Best For
- No rail access at your facility
- Truck-to-rail transfers
- Growing shipment volumes
- Expanding market reach
Shortlines
Extend your reach beyond the 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 shortline connections
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
- New rail shippers
- No private track required
Shipping an oversized or weight-restricted load?
Oversized weight begins at 286,000 pounds on a four-axle railcar and 480,000 pounds on an eight-axle railcar. Railcars with 12 or more axles may need special clearance. They often travel with empty buffer cars to distribute weight properly.
Tools and resources
Dedicated train tools and resources
Helpful tools to plan shipments, find facilities and navigate the BNSF network.
Planning
Plan your dedicated train move
See how your product typically moves — plus the other service options available to you.
Find the right equipment
Explore unit train options designed for different products and shipping needs.
Explore unit train options designed for different products and shipping needs.
Locate or expand on rail
BNSF Logistics Centers and Certified Sites offer development-ready, rail-served locations to help you build or grow your business on the network.
BNSF Logistics Centers and Certified Sites offer development-ready, rail-served locations to help you build or grow your business on the network.
Dedicated train news and updates
BNSF customers invested record $5.3 billion on 2025 rail-served projects
Doing business with BNSF is easier than ever, as our 2025 economic development activity demonstrated. We completed 117 rail-served projects with customers, the highest number closed in the last six years. These investments totaled more than $5.3 billion.