Idaho Spotlight:

An Important Link in the BNSF Network

 
For more than a century, BNSF Railway Company has played a leading role in North Idaho’s economy. The tradition remains strong today as trainloads of products are shipped in or out of the state on our 32,500-mile rail network. Idaho is part of the Great Northern Corridor which spans the northern United States between the Pacific Northwest and Chicago, as well as reaching key southern points in Canada.

We’re proud of our role in helping Idaho’s agriculture, timber and other industries grow in today’s global economy. We link them to domestic and international markets, and we support them by delivering materials vital to their operations.

In addition, BNSF helps deliver a wide variety of consumer products to Idaho retailers and businesses, including packaged goods, clothes, appliances, electronics, and automobiles. In all, BNSF moves more than 1.4 million carloads of freight in Idaho annually.

Idaho is also home to BNSF’s refueling facility at Hauser. Approximately 29 trains are serviced daily, with locomotives receiving fuel, traction sand, lube oil and water in a turn-around time of 30 to 45 minutes per train. This quick-stop process enables trains to more efficiently transport freight critical to local, national and international customers and consumers.

In addition to generating hundreds of jobs, from initial construction to operations, the Hauser fueling facility has raised the bar in environmental protection. No other facility throughout North Idaho or the Spokane Valley is equipped with the level of environmental monitoring and detection systems found at the Hauser depot. BNSF operates the 24-hour facility with the highest commitment to environmentally safe and efficient operations.

Supporting BNSF’s rail network in Idaho are more than 330 dedicated men and women who earn a combined payroll of nearly $25 million. With more than 500 BNSF employees throughout the entire North Idaho-Spokane Valley area, our employees and their families represent a substantial segment of the regional economy.

Capital Commitments

 
In 2017, BNSF invested approximately $55 million in Idaho for capital projects. The largest component of the plan will be to replace and maintain BNSF’s core network and related assets to ensure BNSF continues to operate a safe and reliable network. In addition, the plan includes investing in expansion and efficiency projects, continuing implementation of positive train control (PTC), and acquiring new freight cars and other equipment.

BNSF is investing in infrastructure 

 
BNSF’s recurring investment in the maintenance of its infrastructure and assets continually improve safety and efficiency. That’s why today, the BNSF network is in its best shape ever. Click on the image above to watch the video.

BNSF releases its 2017 Annual Report

In 2017, BNSF saw some positive economic trends that resulted in performance improving over 2016. Volumes increased five percent, reflecting a strengthening economy as well as success in capturing additional business in many of the commodities BNSF hauls. In fact, during the peak holiday shipping period the week after Thanksgiving, BNSF broke an all-time weekly volume record, handling about 220,000 units.

To read the full report and a message from CEO Carl Ice, click HERE.

BNSF supports Wenatchee’s Touch-a-Truck fundraiser

 
BNSF once again participated in the Junior Service League of Wenatchee’s annual Touch-a-Truck fundraiser. With signs, trucks and football giveaways, BNSF spent the afternoon exposing kits to our service trucks and teaching them about what these vehicles do to keep our rail lines safe.

The “Touch a Truck” fundraising event is a community wide event where kids (and adults) have the opportunity to see, touch, interact with, and learn about dozens of cool vehicles.

Proceeds from this event will benefit homeless and poverty organizations in Wenatchee.

To learn more about this fun event, click HERE.

BNSF Railway Foundation helping our communities

·       BNSF Railway Foundation has donated $25,000 toward the City of Vancouver’s renovation and operation of a new homeless day center.

·       BNSF Railway Foundation is also a proud supporter of the Klamath Senior Center. The Senior Center expects to deliver 12,000 more meals in the coming year than last year bringing the total to 80,000. The center also provides health cases.

·       BNSF Railway Foundation donated $10,000 in support of the Seattle Art Museum’s (SAM) educational programming with the Highline School District. SAM provides creative learning opportunities for students and educators that ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and develop environments that are rigorous, inclusive, and collaborative.

Emergencies – Call 800-832-5452

To report a vehicle stalled on a crossing, suspicious circumstances, malfunctioning crossing gates and lights, or any other emergency, call 800-832-5452 immediately.