Support for BNSF Veterans

The railroad’s long history of hiring veterans dates back to the Civil War, and that connection continues today because together we are a good fit.  Veterans embody the core competencies essential at BNSF: leadership, teamwork and the ability to perform safely in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. . A 2012 study by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

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Commentary: Protest that blocked tracks held up passengers, crews, freight

The following commentary in the Everett Daily Herald comes from Lloyd Flem, executive director of All Aboard Washington, and Jared Wootton, general manager for the northern division of BNSF Railway: Protest that blocked tracks held up passengers, crews, freight Washington is known for many things: its natural beauty, high-tech innovation and deep roots in international trade. Our state

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BNSF Launches New, Faster Intermodal Service between Pacific Northwest and Texas

Beginning Monday, Sept. 12, BNSF Railway (BNSF) will offer intermodal customers a new service option to move freight between the Pacific Northwest and Texas. Shippers who move commodities and a wide range of consumer goods between Portland, Ore., or Seattle and Dallas/Fort Worth (AllianceTexas) will now be able to reduce their transit times by up

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Local Union Leader Highlights Role of Rail in Spokane’s Future

Matthew Lebsack is the chairman of the Spokane Local 1505 SMART-TD Union. In this op-ed for the Journal of Spokane Business, he writes about the future of Spokane and why the reversal of the City Council’s ordinance was so important. An excerpt: Our city can directly trace its development from the growth of the rail

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Kalama honored with Railway Heritage Community Award

Kalama and the railroad have a relationship that goes back to the 1870s. “The City of Kalama’s history has evolved around the railroad since its inception,” said Kalama Mayor Pete Poulsen. “It is the life blood of our ports and has helped to create thousands of jobs for our citizens. BNSF Railway recently honored Kalama

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Despite Field Hearing Rhetoric, Freight Rail Drives Trade to Washington

The following comes from Matthew K. Rose, Executive Chairman, BNSF Railway: The historic level of BNSF investment, particularly on Washington’s “Great Northern” line and BNSF’s commitment to safety requires that I write to correct the inaccurate impression of BNSF service and safety as reflected in the record of a recent Senate Energy Committee field hearing. Starting with

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Op-ed: Rail Safety Remains Strong

At The Hill, former National Transportation Safety Board Managing Director Peter Goelz explains why the Spokane City Council’s proposed ordinance sets a dangerous precedent: Rail Safety Remains Strong Railroads moved more than 528,000 carloads and intermodal units of goods in the week ending July 23. Down 5.3 percent year over year, the numbers are still

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BNSF in the Community This Summer

Being a responsible and engaged corporate citizen is a top priority for BNSF. Here are some of the organizations and causes we are supporting this summer. Seattle Art Museum – Summer at SAM BNSF donated $10,000 for the Summer of SAM Kickoff event on July 7. The Seattle Art Museum hosts events all summer with

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Local Leaders Respond to Spokane Energy Ordinance

A proposed ordinance by the Spokane City Council would make rail transport of oil and coal illegal within the city. The measure prompted a response from the group Keep Washington Competitive, who warned that the Spokane City Council’s proposal would severely hurt local jobs. An excerpt: “Rail is the lifeblood for our members, who depend

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BNSF & Crude-By-Rail Safety

John Lovenburg, Vice President — Environmental for BNSF, recently penned this guest column in the Olympian on our commitment to safety. Rail industry works hard to improve safety Rail transport is vital to Washington’s economy — $28.5 billion each year in positive economic impact, according to a recent study by the Washington Council on International

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Investing in Washington

BNSF is investing nearly $220 million in Washington this year. Our plan is focused on maintenance projects that ensure we continue operating a safe and reliable network and support growing customer demand. The largest component of this year’s capital plan in the state will be replacing and upgrading rail, rail ties and ballast. Regular maintenance

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Meet Justin Piper

BNSF’s Northwest hazardous materials team, led by director Justin Piper, works tirelessly to ensure the railroad ships commodities such as crude oil safely, and trains first responders on how to respond to incidences. This video is part of BNSF’s “Making Connections” video series, a behind-the-scenes look at BNSF employees in the Pacific Northwest who are

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A word about the Union Pacific derailment

Last week, a Union Pacific oil train derailed in Oregon. Emergency responders, including BNSF, acted swiftly to contain the risk, and protect communities and the Columbia River. Thankfully, no injuries were reported and residents are returning to their homes. Nothing — absolutely nothing — is more important to BNSF Railway than operating safely. We are

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Controlling Coal Dust in Pasco

To further enhance our coal dust control and mitigation program, in 2015 BNSF opened a re-spray facility at its rail yard in Pasco, Wash. BNSF has also been treating unit trains of petroleum coke in the facility. This facility adds another layer in an already well-proven program to control coal dust.

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How a Rail Network is Like a Circulatory System

Just like your own circulatory system, BNSF’s rail network requires proactive and planned maintenance to keep things moving. Scheduled doctor’s visits give you information about how to prevent future illnesses; similarly, frequent, in-depth inspections help BNSF identify where we need to focus efforts to ensure rail safety and reliability. BNSF’s planned maintenance commitment is essential

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