BNSF Railway (2024)

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BNSF Railway ranks among America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity

BNSF Railway, one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies, has been named among “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024” by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.

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Higher calling: Train crews have big rewards, tough sacrifices

Being a locomotive engineer or a conductor is something of a calling, according to those who do this important job. We couldn’t operate our 32,500-mile rail network without our employees, and they truly are what differentiates us as a company.

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This is who we are.

BNSF Railway (1)

Safety &
Security

BNSF is committed to the safe operation of every mile of our 32,500-route-mile network.

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Environment

BNSF believes it is good business and good citizenship to minimize our impact on the planet.

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BNSF Railway (3)

History

BNSF is the result of more
than 390 railroad lines that merged or were acquired during our 170-year history.

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BNSF Railway (4)

Community Support

BNSF strives to maintain strong relationships with the communities where our employees live.

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And this is how we help you.

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CUSTOMER TOOLS

Access our Carload Shipping Advisor, Intermodal Advisor, Carbon Estimator, Shipping Instructions Checklist and more.

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SERVICE UPDATES AND NOTIFICATIONS

View updates that inform customers of new developments.

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SUPPORT SERVICES

At BNSF it isn't just about getting your freight from point A to point B, it's about going the extra mile.

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Join the BNSF Team

The BNSF Team of 40,000+ safely transports the products and materials that help feed, clothe and power communities across the U.S. and around the globe.

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What's New

Feb6,2024

BNSF Railway ranks among America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity

BNSF Railway, one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies, has been named among “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024” by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.

BNSF Railway (2024)

FAQs

What does BNSF Railway stand for? ›

Over the years, the name of the owner changed to Burlington Northern to Burlington Northern Santa Fe to BNSF. This line was the first to use bi-level coaches, built by Budd in 1950. BNSF dispatches trains from Ft. Worth, Texas.

Which is bigger Union Pacific or BNSF? ›

BNSF Railway is the largest Class I railroad by revenue, miles of track coverage, and count of employees. BNSF Railway – $25.9 Billion Revenue, 32,500 route miles, 35,000 employees. Union Pacific Railroad – $24.9 Billion Revenue, 32,100 route miles, 32,100 employees.

How much did Warren Buffett pay for BNSF Railway? ›

Yet in 2009 Warren Buffett decided to make an "all-in wager on the economic future of the United States," as Berkshire Hathaway (BRK. A 1.18%) (BRK. B 1.30%) acquired railway Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) for $44 billion.

Why is BNSF laying off employees? ›

A BNSF executive justified the layoffs as necessary for maintaining unparalleled customer service. Major rail unions are expressing concerns about the impact of these job cuts on railway safety and operations.

Does Warren Buffett own BNSF Railway? ›

On January 24, 2005, the railroad's name was officially changed to BNSF Railway Company using the initials of its original name. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway acquired BNSF Railway in February 2010, obtaining all of its shares and taking the company private.

Who is BNSF owned by? ›

On Feb. 12, 2010, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC, (formerly known as Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation) and BNSF Railway Company became subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Who pays more Union Pacific or BNSF? ›

Salaries. Of the top 3 common jobs between the two companies, BNSF Railway salaries averaged $9,446 higher than Union Pacific.

What is the richest railroad company? ›

Cumulatively, the top 10 railway companies in the world generated revenue of $237,432 million, with average revenue growth of 0.57%, the highest revenue was generated by Deutsche Bahn AG ($55,666 million), followed by SNCF Group ($41,094 million) and Indian Railways ($27,326 million), while Canadian National Railway Co ...

What are the 4 main railroads? ›

BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad have a duopoly over all transcontinental freight rail lines in the Western United States, while CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway operate most of the trackage in the Eastern United States, with the Mississippi River being the rough dividing line.

What railroad does Bill Gates own? ›

Among these visionaries is the entrepreneur and philanthropist Bill Gates, whose investment portfolio isn't limited to computer software and silicon chips and who, with an astute eye for lucrative ventures, has recognized the Canadian National Railway Company (CNI) as a valuable asset at his disposal.

How rich is BNSF? ›

The BNSF Railway Company was the leading North American railroad company in 2022, with a total operating revenue of over 25.88 billion U.S. dollars. The railroad company also ranked sixteenth among the top freight transportation companies worldwide in 2022.

How much debt is BNSF in? ›

As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the fair value of BNSF Railway's debt, excluding finance leases, was $506 million and $501 million, respectively, while the book value, which also excludes finance leases, was $519 million and $523 million, respectively.

How many people quit BNSF? ›

More than 700 BNSF employees have quit their jobs since the policy was rolled out in February, union officials say, increasing the workload for those who remain. BNSF's Wilemon said the company has seen more workers taking planned vacation days since rolling out its attendance-based policy.

When can you retire from BNSF? ›

Individuals may elect to take early retirement at age 55, provided they have at least 10 years of vesting service. If you leave an affiliated company before your Early Retirement Eligibility Date, but after you complete 5 years of Vesting Service, you will be entitled to a vested right benefit.

Is BNSF losing money? ›

Volumes and Revenues

Total revenues for the fourth quarter and full year 2023 decreased 6% and 8%, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2022. The full year decrease was primarily due to a 6% decrease in unit volumes and a 1% decrease in average revenue per car / unit.

Why is it called BNSF? ›

Over the years, the name of the owner changed to Burlington Northern to Burlington Northern Santa Fe to BNSF. This line was the first to use bi-level coaches, built by Budd in 1950. BNSF dispatches trains from Ft. Worth, Texas.

What does BNSF stand for in BNSF Railway? ›

First of all, BNSF stands for Burlington Northern Santa Fe, which came into being in 1996 when its two immediate predecessors merged and, since 2010 has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Warren Buffett's huge conglomerate, Berkshire Hathaway.

What does the CSX stand for? ›

CSX Corporation was formed on November 1, 1980, as a merger between Chessie System and Seaboard Coast Line Industries. Original logo for the CSX Corporation, emphasizing the "multiplication symbol" X. The name came about during merger talks between Chessie System and SCL, commonly called "Chessie" and "Seaboard".

Is BNSF the same as Union Pacific? ›

Union Pacific is the second largest railroad in the United States after BNSF, with which it shares a duopoly on transcontinental freight rail lines in the Western, Midwestern and West South Central United States.

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