Automotive Network Update for Friday, December 22, 2023
With the holidays fast approaching, this is our last network update in 2023. The bi-weekly reporting schedule will resume in January, with the next Network Update on Friday, January 5. As your trusted rail provider, we are committed to providing updates on significant service interruptions that impact normal operating conditions for the remainder of the year.
Wishing all our customers a safe and joyful holiday season.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
As communicated today, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) opened the railway crossings in El Paso and Eagle Pass, Texas. The CBP shut down the gateways on Monday to address the increased number of migrants at the southern border. BNSF implemented a temporary permit embargo this morning, affecting some southbound traffic moving through Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas, to Mexico. This embargo impacts all shipments, excluding automotive and intermodal shipments, which are being managed through alternate means. This action is necessary to alleviate congestion as quickly as possible and ensure the fluidity of cross-border traffic. BNSF will issue permits on a case-by-case basis. Permit requests must be submitted one week prior to the desired shipment date. Customers can submit permit requests and obtain more information through this online form.
On Wednesday, we experienced a derailment on our Southern Transcon, our primary route between Southern California and the Midwest, near Adamana, Arizona, approximately 60 miles east of Winslow. Both main tracks were out of service while crews worked at the scene. The first main track reopened on Thursday, and service was restored on the second track today. Customers with shipments moving in this area should expect lingering delays until traffic flows fully normalize through the weekend.
Regarding metrics, average car velocity remains relatively consistent with the previous week and month, along with our local service compliance measure, which continues to trend above 90 percent. Terminal dwell is elevated versus the prior week and the November average.
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S OPERATING PLAN
The number of trains operating on BNSF track is typically lower over the Christmas and New Year's holidays due to reduced freight volume. Connecting carriers who have reduced operations for the holiday may cause delays on interline traffic. As a result, we anticipate some extending of our service schedules as we consolidate volumes to fill trains. We expect shipments from Sunday, December 24, through Wednesday, January 3, 2024, may experience delays of 24 hours.
Customer Support will maintain a limited staff on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve until 6 p.m. Normal coverage will resume on the Tuesday following each holiday.
SERVICE EXPECTATIONS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD
A storm making its way out of Southern California today is expected to bring mountain snow and heavy rainfall with the potential for flooding to the Southwest through Saturday. Snow is also expected across the Plains as this storm makes its way east and merges with a storm system from the Pacific Northwest over the holiday weekend. BNSF teams are monitoring forecasts and are prepared to respond to any weather-related disruptions as quickly as possible.
We thank you for your business and appreciate the opportunity to serve as your transportation service provider. We welcome your feedback and questions.