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The latest BNSF Railway information and resources for communities of
the Pacific Northwest.
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JANUARY 2016
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A stronger economy through rail |
The Pacific Northwest economy relies on freight rail. BNSF’s rail network moves freight with significantly less environmental impact than other means of transportation. Our rail connects companies to the Pacific Northwest and the rest of the world. |
Washington state exports totaled more than $90.5 billion, making the state the largest exporter per capita in the U.S., according to the Washington Department of Commerce. Nearly a fifth of all freight tonnage in Washington moves by rail, which includes aerospace and agricultural products such as corn, soybeans, and apples. |
For many of the region’s manufacturers, farmers, lumber and food producers, and ports, rail is vital. It is what has allowed the Pacific Northwest to become the trade powerhouse it is today. |
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Freight rail contributes at least $28.5 billion to Washington’s state economy |
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Freight rail accounts for nearly 10% of the state’s GDP |
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Over 243,000 Washington workers depend on rail |
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Total household income is $13.4 billion higher due to freight rail |
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Source: An Engine of Prosperity, Washington Council on International Trade (2014) |
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Grain is a major commodity moved by train |
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Approximately 50% of the agricultural commodities that BNSF hauls goes to export points in the Pacific Northwest, Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and the Great Lakes. |
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Protecting our people |
Railroads have lowered employee injury rates by 84% since 1980, according to the Association of American Railroads. U.S. Railroads have lower employee injury rates than most major industries because of rigorous safety training, technological advancements, special operating procedures, employee partnerships, and government safety regulations. |
BNSF trains thousands of employees through its safety initiatives each year. BNSF’s employee safety record is consistently better than other forms of transit and is a recognized industry leader. |
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2016 crude-by-rail and emergency response training |
BNSF Railway is offering Crude-by-Rail and Emergency Response Training to municipal first responders again in 2016. The program takes place over three days and covers basic knowledge, skills for responding to crude-by-rail incidents, with over 60% of training spent on field exercises. This is a no-cost training program. |
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For more information about the program, watch this video. |
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Newest, cleanest-burning fleet in the industry |
BNSF leads the industry in having the newest and cleanest-burning locomotive fleet. Over the last 10 years 40% of our fleet has been replaced to more energy efficient locomotives. |
Rail is already the most fuel and resource efficient means for moving large volumes of freight. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, of all the greenhouse emissions from transportation, freight rail accounts for only 2.3%. |
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BNSF President and CEO Carl R. Ice named Railroader of the Year |
Railway Age named Carl R. Ice, President and CEO of BNSF Railway, its 2016 Railroader of the Year. “Under Carl Ice’s leadership, BNSF continues to make significant investments in four key areas – capacity, locomotives, people and equipment,” says Railway Age’s Editor in Chief. “It can proudly say it operates the industry’s fastest, more reliable intermodal service.” |
Read more about Carl R. Ice, 2016 Railroader of the Year. |
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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. |
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