35 million equipment readings are beamed to Fort Worth every day

BNSF utilizes advanced technology to improve safety and enhance efficiency across our railroad.  BNSF deploys more than 4,000 wayside detectors across our network that work in conjunction with our sophisticated predictive analytics tools to evaluate and act upon vast amounts of data, making our operations safer and more efficient. These systems can identify potential safety issues – such as high-impact wheels, overheated bearings and damaged or worn components – in equipment in motion, day or night, rain or shine.

The wayside detectors generate more than 35 million equipment readings per day, producing massive amounts of data. By accessing our sophisticated data and predictive analytics capabilities, BNSF can create alerts, which help us proactively identify poorly performing equipment for preventive maintenance before it may lead to a service interruption or incident.

New technology saves fuel, reduces emissions

BNSF upgraded more than 460 locomotives in 2017 with technology focused on increasing fuel efficiency. More than 60 percent of our active road fleet locomotives utilize an energy management system to maximize fuel efficiency and train handling by optimizing throttle and brake use. Approximately 98 percent of our locomotives are equipped with automatic engine start/stop devices, which prevent unnecessary idling.

Native American tribes and BNSF team up on spill response exercise

BNSF’s network crosses 32 Native American reservations including in the Pacific Northwest.  The company works closely with tribes to be better prepared to respond in the unlikely event of a derailment that results in a spill.

Recently, tribal representatives and BNSF trained together near the Upriver Dam in Spokane. 

“Working together with the tribes helps us better understand the important cultural and natural resources that need to be protected,” said Chris Howell, Director of Tribal Relations, BNSF Railway.  “It also gives the tribes insight into our capabilities.”

Seattle employees help feed the homeless

Happy Birthday to Washington State – 130 years of statehood in 2019!

BNSF Railway Foundation supports National Native American Veterans Memorial

The BNSF Railway Foundation announces its support for a new National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

Over the past two centuries, Native Americans have served in the U.S. military in every major war or conflict. The National Museum of the American Indian seeks to honor the tens of thousands of Native American men and women who have served and continue to serve in our country’s military with a National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

While a number of monuments across the country commemorate the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces, there is no prominent monument in our nation’s capital to honor Native American veterans. This new memorial is designed to honor the essential military contributions of tribal members.

Chris Howell, BNSF’s Director of Tribal Relations, indicates that board members of the BNSF Foundation are enthusiastic about supporting this important new monument. “Quanah Spencer and I have done extensive outreach to tribal communities and one of the greatest links we’ve created is helping them honor veterans within their tribes,” said Howell. “We are honored to be a part of this fundraising effort.”

The BNSF Railway Foundation has donated $500,000 to the project. The design concept for the memorial, titled “Warriors’ Circle of Honor,” was created by Harvey Pratt, a self-taught artist from Oklahoma who served in Vietnam from 1962 to 1965. Groundbreaking is slated for Sept. 21, 2019, and a dedication is planned for Veterans Day 2020.

The BNSF Tribal Relations team is the first in the industry and was established to build and strengthen ties with the many diverse tribal nations within the BNSF railroad network. The team also works to foster within BNSF a greater cultural understanding of these tribal nations, their rights and governance and cultural issues. In reaching out to the 86 tribal governments and leaders that BNSF touches, the Tribal Relations team has established a high standard in the industry for the future of corporate-to-tribal communication and relationship building.

“The National Museum of the American Indian is proud to build the National Native American Veterans Memorial, which will honor the service of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians to this county and its armed forces,” said Kevin Gover (Pawnee), director of the museum. “We are extremely grateful to BNSF Railway Foundation for their generous gift to this effort. With this support, we will create a space in our nation’s capital where everyone can come to honor and reflect on the sacrifices these men and women and their families have made for this country.”

If you are interested in more information about the memorial or would like to donate to the project, visit the National Museum of the American Indian website.

UTV ready to rescue in Dupont

2019 BNSF Calendars

Back by popular demand – the BNSF calendar for 2019. Click HERE and complete the form to request a free copy. Supplies are limited.  

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.