BNSF Honors Three Shortline Railroads for Partnership Excellence

FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 9, 2010 – BNSF Railway recognized three shortline railroads for their tremendous success and partnership over the past year with a Shortline Achievement Award at BNSF’s 15th Annual Shortline Conference on Nov. 1, 2010 in Grapevine, Texas.

The Sacramento Valley Railroad (SAV), Cimarron Valley Railroad (CVR), and Stillwater Central Railroad (SLWC) were chosen because of their ability to develop new customers and increase volume while also being good stewards in their communities. BNSF credited the relationship it has with these shortline railroads and the growth of mutual businesses as the significant components to receiving a BNSF Shortline Achievement Award.

“BNSF is proud to recognize these three shortline railroads for their entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to customer service, and commitment to partnership with BNSF,” said Dean Wise, BNSF vice president, Network Development. “We hope to continue to expand our relationship with these shortlines and offer exceptional services to our mutual customers well in the future.”

SAV, a Patriot Rail shortline, took over operation of McClellan Business Park in March 2008. Since then, they have been providing customers with lumber, petroleum, aggregate and manufactured products through consistent and reliable “customer centered” rail services. Through focused and intense marketing efforts, SAV yielded significant carload growth in challenging economic times and is currently on pace to double its traffic in 2010.

CVR, a Western Group shortline, has been successful in developing an innovative partnership with the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Port Authority of the Southwest that will provide a foundation for growth and attract new rail shippers across southwest Kansas. Under this partnership, $15 million from the State’s rail service improvement fund will be spent over the next 5 years to rehab and upgrade the CVR. SLWC, a part of Watco Companies, helped to establish a new, innovative and highly successful transportation service at Stanley, North Dakota, and from Sapulpa, OK to Stroud, Oklahoma with BNSF providing the long-haul service in between. Through July of 2010, over 6,500 carloads have moved safely between these points. Together, BNSF and SLWC are delivering a pipeline-by-rail service that helps meet America’s energy needs and helps develop the Bakken shale, a vital domestic energy resource.

About BNSF

BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,000 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain, industrial goods and low-sulfur coal that 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. And we are working 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.