BNSF achieves record on-time performance and safety in Southern California

Accomplishment reflects commitment and investment throughout the region

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BNSF Railway’s Los Angeles Hobart Intermodal Facility, which handles the world’s largest quantity of domestic intermodal freight, set an on-time departure record of 94% in 2023, easily surpassing the 2012 high of 86%. These results were achieved all while completing the safest year on record for accidents and injuries.

“This achievement is a testament to strong local team execution, commitment to continuous improvement and the ongoing investments BNSF is making in Southern California,” noted BNSF California Division General Manager Richard Dennison.

BNSF has expanded capacity at Hobart by 500 spaces and installed new crane stacking technology. Additionally, BNSF is continuing a multi-year project to increase efficiency at its San Bernardino intermodal facility in the Inland Empire and has positioned 100 locomotives as a “ready fleet” across the West Coast and other strategic network locations to respond to any potential service disruptions. In 2023, BNSF completed a project to add a total of approximately 45 miles of triple track between Barstow and Needles, CA.

BNSF is also continuing development on the Barstow International Gateway, a more than $1.5 billion master-planned rail facility that will be the first of its kind in the U.S. Once complete, the facility will lower supply chain costs, reduce carbon emissions, reduce dwell at ports and provide a lower cost rail move to an inland transload facility as compared to the current truck move to existing facilities.

On the technology side, BNSF is investing in cleaner technologies, such as electric hostlers, as well as Load Plan Optimizer and Automated Yard Checks to improve efficiency.

Added Dennison, “BNSF remains focused on adapting to the evolving supply chain through our new service offerings and ongoing capital investments to ensure we are positioned to accommodate the growth in Southern California and across our network.”

About BNSF Railway

Fort Worth-based BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies. BNSF operates approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and three Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food, and beverages. BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com.