BNSF Launches First Mile/Last Mile Team for Single Carload Growth

BNSF Railway Co. Launches New Team to Boost Single Carload Growth

**Fort Worth, Texas – October 26, 2024** – BNSF Railway Company (BNSF), a leading Class I railroad in North America, has announced the formation of a new team, the “First Mile/Last Mile” team, dedicated to fostering growth in single carload shipments across its extensive network. This strategic initiative underscores BNSF’s commitment to adapting to the evolving demands of the freight industry and optimizing its services for customers. The team, spearheaded by Mark Ganaway, General Director of Marketing, merges the expertise of BNSF’s short-line development and industrial products business development teams. The primary goal is to streamline the supply chain and provide tailored solutions to overcome obstacles, ultimately aiming to increase the volume of single carload shipments across BNSF’s 32,500-mile network. This development highlights the railroad’s recognition of the significance of every individual carload in contributing to the overall efficiency and value of the national supply chain.

Optimizing the First and Last Mile: A Strategic Imperative

The “First Mile/Last Mile” initiative reflects a broader industry trend emphasizing the importance of optimizing the initial and final stages of the shipping process. These stages, often involving short-line railroads and local distribution networks, are critical for efficiently connecting customers to BNSF’s main line network. This team is designed to identify and address inefficiencies in these critical segments. By focusing on these ‘first and last mile’ connections, BNSF aims to improve the overall customer experience, reduce transit times, and attract more business. This strategic focus aligns with the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive and integrated transportation solutions, ensuring seamless connectivity for its customers.

Key Objectives and Operational Strategies

The core objectives of the First Mile/Last Mile team include:

• Enhanced collaboration with short-line railroads to create efficient transfer points and joint marketing opportunities.
• Developing tailored solutions for industrial customers, focusing on their unique shipping needs and challenges.
• Utilizing data analytics to identify bottlenecks and optimize logistical processes for single carload shipments.
• Streamlining communication and coordination between BNSF and its customers to improve service reliability.

The team’s operational strategies involve:

• Investing in technology and infrastructure to support efficient handling and tracking of single carload shipments.
• Offering customized service packages that address specific customer requirements, such as specialized equipment or expedited transit times.
• Providing dedicated customer support and proactive communication to keep clients informed about their shipments.
• Developing incentive programs to stimulate single carload volumes and enhance customer loyalty.

Shortline Select Program and Synergy

The First Mile/Last Mile team builds upon the foundation laid by BNSF’s Shortline Select program, launched in September 2024. This program is designed to create a win-win situation for both BNSF and its short-line partners. By integrating the capabilities of customized short-line services with BNSF’s extensive reach, the program provides customers with a wider range of options. BNSF aims to attract customers who may have previously found its services less accessible. The Shortline Select program allows smaller businesses and those located in areas with limited direct rail access to benefit from the efficiencies of rail transport.

Customer Benefits and Long-Term Vision

BNSF’s ultimate goal is to create a more streamlined supply chain for its customers, from the initial pickup to the final delivery point. This focus is expected to lead to:

• Lower shipping costs due to optimized routes and reduced transit times.
• Improved supply chain visibility, empowering customers to proactively manage their inventory and operations.
• Enhanced responsiveness to market demands, providing customers with the flexibility to adjust their shipping strategies.
• Stronger relationships with BNSF, built on trust, reliability, and a shared commitment to success.

By fostering growth in single carload shipments, BNSF is not only strengthening its business but also contributing to the overall efficiency of the national supply chain. The initiative reflects BNSF’s proactive approach to innovation and its dedication to remaining a leader in the railroad industry.

Conclusions: Strengthening the Supply Chain Through Targeted Solutions

The launch of BNSF’s “First Mile/Last Mile” team represents a significant strategic move by the railroad to capitalize on the growing importance of single carload shipments within the evolving freight landscape. By combining expertise in short-line development and industrial products, the team aims to break down barriers in the supply chain and offer more streamlined solutions to customers. The integration with the Shortline Select program further enhances BNSF’s capacity to serve a broader customer base, including businesses that rely on short-line connections and those with specialized shipping requirements.

This initiative underlines BNSF’s understanding of the multifaceted needs of its customers and its proactive approach to provide tailor-made solutions that increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the overall shipping experience. The focus on optimizing the ‘first and last mile’ is pivotal to maintaining competitiveness in the freight industry. By focusing on innovation and collaboration, BNSF is positioning itself for long-term growth, while continuing to contribute to the efficiency of the national supply chain. The “First Mile/Last Mile” team aims to improve supply chain visibility, provide the flexibility to adapt to market changes and build stronger, more reliable connections with its customers. This initiative demonstrates BNSF’s dedication to strengthening its position as a leading provider of rail transportation services, while also supporting the overall economic vitality of the regions it serves.

**Summary of Companies:**

* **BNSF Railway Company (BNSF):** A major Class I railroad in North America, operating a vast network across several states and Canadian provinces.