The supply chain challenges the United States is currently experiencing go beyond any one mode in the supply chain. BNSF is working hard to make sure the railroad can handle the strong demand in front of us and continue to drive more throughput; however, it will take parts of the supply chain adjusting and collaboratively working together.
The necessary physical capacity exists currently across the entire supply chain, and the answer to our current challenges is better utilization of that capacity.
One example is BNSF’s logistics park strategy, in which intermodal hubs in Fort Worth, Texas; Chicago; and Kansas City serve nearby distribution centers in their respective markets. The proximity helps shippers streamline their supply chains, lowering transportation costs and carbon emissions.
Finding ways to improve efficiency in the supply chain not only opens additional capacity but also improves sustainability. Rail is more than three times more fuel-efficient than trucking, moving one ton of freight roughly 500 miles on a single gallon of diesel. This is just one of the many reasons that rail will play an increasingly important part in moving goods efficiently and sustainably.
Transparency, working together, and continuous communication are vital to ensuring shippers have access to the capacity they need. BNSF is committed to doing our part to work collaboratively with all parts of the supply chain to continue to move our economy and nation forward.