Latest from BNSF

The Hampson family’s connection to the railroad spans multiple generations. Current torchbearer, Ben Hampson, began his career as an electrician with Montana Rail Link in 2004, which has since merged with BNSF to become the MRL subdivision. Growing up, Ben’s father instilled in him a passion for railroading and a commitment to safety. Their home…

Built in 1883 as part of the expansion of the Northern Pacific Railway, the Marent Gulch Trestle stands today as a historic testament to engineering brilliance. Initially a wooden structure designed by C.C. Schneider, the 797-foot-long trestle was the world’s tallest wooden trestle at 226 feet when it was completed in 1883. Fears of fire…

In a gesture of thanks to all military veterans for their service, volunteers placed memorial wreaths on the graves of U.S. military veterans on National Wreaths Across America Day, December 16. Wreaths were placed this year for the first time in Whitefish, Montana. BNSF’s Dustin Wegner, a signal electronics technician, veteran, and vice commander of…

As of the start of January, BNSF’s collaboration with Montana Rail Link (MRL) has now become the MRL Subdivision of BNSF’s Montana Division. This marks a new chapter in the longstanding partnership, which can now focus on stronger outcomes for customers, employees, and communities across Montana, Idaho, and Washington. The move aims to enhance capacity…

For BNSF, the safety of the communities we serve across our 32,500-mile route network, as well as our 37,000 employees, remains the highest priority. This commitment is reflected in our performance in 2023, a record year for workplace safety in the company’s 175-year history. We achieved this safety milestone through a groundbreaking Transportation Safety Agreement,…

Turning used restaurant cooking oil and other organic waste into fuel may just be the modern equivalent of turning lemons into lemonade. Recognizing the benefits of these materials, BNSF is actively involved in the biofuels industry, including transporting unconventional feedstocks that are increasingly recognized for their role in sustainable energy production. It’s a business that’s…

BNSF is set to assume operations and maintenance of the Montana Rail Link (MRL) Subdivision, offering MRL employees an opportunity to join BNSF’s team. The MRL line plays a crucial role in BNSF’s northern transcontinental network, facilitating the transport of goods to the West Coast. MRL’s origins trace back to the Northern Pacific Railway, chartered…

BNSF is always looking for innovative ways to enhance safety on the rails. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen (BRC) to expand our Brake Health Effectiveness Program (BHE), which relies on new thermal detector technology to better monitor braking systems to maintain a safe rail network. As trains roll past, wayside…

The North Coast Limited (NCL) emerged in 1900 as a response to the growing demand for transportation options to the majestic Pacific Northwest. Operated by our predecessor, the Northern Pacific Railway, the NCL offered adventurers a scenic route to iconic locations like Yellowstone Park and the Rocky Mountains. Though the NCL was initially a seasonal…

Since 2005, BNSF has been a proud host of a regional cycling event for the Special Olympics Texas team. This year’s event began with an inspiring opening ceremony parade, featuring a symbolic torch and the National Anthem. With 25 athletes participating in 500-meter or 25-kilometer bike races, it was a day filled with cycling, music,…

Ensuring the safety of our employees and the communities we serve is our top priority, which is why BNSF closely collaborates with first responders to prepare for any emergency. While the vast majority of hazardous material shipments arrive safely at their destinations (99.99%), preparedness training is critical in preventing environmental harm, should an incident occur.…

We are proud to announce that BNSF President and Chief Executive Officer Katie Farmer was awarded 2023’s Railroader of the Year by Railway Age. Farmer has more than 30 years of experience in the rail industry. In January 2021, she was appointed president and CEO of BNSF, making history as the first woman to hold that…

BNSF offers a unique opportunity for leaders interested in entering the rail industry through an immersive six-month training called the Experienced First Line Supervisor (EFLS) program. Designed for leaders with three or more years of experience or two years of military experience, the program prepares employees for jobs in the Engineering, Mechanical, Signal, or Transportation…

Team BNSF had the opportunity to transport a historic Northern Pacific passenger rail car along its alma mater route one final time. Northern Pacific was one of the nearly 400 major predecessor rail lines that are now part of the BNSF network. The car found a home in Ennis, Montana, where new owner Andy Bergman…

In December, Team BNSF proudly helped deliver and place wreaths on veterans’ graves during the annual Wreaths Across America, an event that has been honoring veterans since 1992. BNSF teamed up with trucking giant J.B. Hunt to transport 227,000 wreaths, free of charge, to show support. Together, we moved more than 35 container loads, up…