Rail Logistics

Why Consider Rail Logistics?

In today's market, transportation decision-makers must balance a variety of considerations - service, cost, mode, load density, etc. - to arrive at a sensible plan of action. BNSF Logistics provides an assortment of rail and rail-related solutions, in addition to traditional truckload services. Why should the discriminating transportation buyer consider Rail Logistics? Rail partners can provide competitive transit options, cost savings opportunities, alternative capacity, and an environmentally friendly mode of surface transportation.

Intermodal Services

Intermodal networks have benefited from significant investment and focus to drive efficiency, consistency and safety. Service levels have improved to compete more closely with the myriad of truckload options. With BNSF Logistics, you gain access to a network of transportation experts that understand the intricacies of truck and rail and possess the ability to combine them to deliver a product with the economics of rail and reliability of trucks. BNSF Logistics works with all major railroads to find the optimal rail route and equipment type to meet your financial and transit expectations.

Rail Shipment Management

Effective transportation execution requires planning, especially when using the national rail network to move your freight. The experts at BNSF Logistics will analyze your freight network, volumes and product types to determine if rail may be a viable option. BNSF Logistics integrates and manages rail, transload, trucking, specialty equipment providers and experienced operators with the passion for providing you with a simple, safe, reliable, and professional dellivered product. Customizable multi-modal solutions are our specialty - from origin to destination and each touch point in between.

Services include:

Multi-modal coordination (truckload, rail, transload, special equipment)
Consolidation of truckload shipments into carload
De-consolidation of carload to multi-truckload
Loading configuration / design
Empty railcar ordering
Empty railcar release
EDI waybilling
Track and trace
In-transit visibility
Demurrage / bad order management
Customs clearance
Customer service interface (single point of contact)
Freight bill payment
Reporting / event notification

Commodity / product experience:

Lumber (logs, wood pellets)
Refrigerated (produce, frozen)
Metals (rebar, coils, pipe)
Minerals (borates, cement, clay, lime)
Consumer goods (tile, canned goods)
Chemicals (glue, plastics)
Dimensional / oversized products (machinery, tanks, cranes, generators, wind turbines and blades)

Rail Fleet Management

Are you a current rail transportation consumer who wants to become more strategic in your rail management processes? BNSF Logistics has the expertise and tools to help.

Services include:

Complete rail supply chain management
Velocity and diversion improvement planning
Demurrage reduction
Private fleet analysis / management
Web visibility / transit statistics
Car maintenance management
Mode conversion

Cars on Track^®

CarsOnTrack^® (COT) offers customers a reliable, cost effective, safe and timely method of transporting vehicles in fully enclosed railcars or auto-haulers.

The CarsOnTrack^® group has developed a transportation network that enables a customer to choose the best mix of cost and transit time to meet individual needs while offering the same level of service, security, and cost effective shipping that automobile manufacturers use to transport their new vehicles.

CarsOnTrack^® offers several services to meet its customers’ shipping needs. For volume shipping and corporate clients, we provide terminal to terminal service via Class I railroads. Other customers require a complete door to door service. The COT group is a certified motor carrier of used automobiles and has developed extensive relationships with the auto carrier network to fulfill these needs. In addition, a combination of door and terminal service can be tailored to fit specific requirements.

Benefits of utilizing the CarsOnTrack^® service:

One stop vehicle shipping service
Low-risk methods of shipping
Interactive web site with tracking / reporting features
Single vehicle or entire fleet moves
Operations Expertise
Enclosed, multi-level, secure rail cars
National network of rail and truck providers

For more information please call us at (888) 747-7717 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Doorstep Delivery Service

BNSF Logistics' Doorstep Delivery Service (D.D.S.*) taps a nationwide network of rail and truck transportation providers and regional transload centers to efficiently and cost-effectively distribute goods direct from your plant to retailers. The DDS national service center services include:

Daily shipment tracking and tracing
Transloader coordination for expedited deliveries
Price and routing information
Railcar spot, release, and bad order management
Diversion requests
Flexible delivery scheduling

For more information please call us at (800) 458-7224 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

*The D.D.S. mark is a licensed trademark owned by BNSF Railway LLC.

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