Coal Network Update for Thursday, July 3, 2025

Due to the observance of Independence Day, this Network Update is being delivered one day earlier than scheduled. 

Operational Performance 
Severe weather continued across the Plains and Southwest, including high winds and flash flood warnings along the Southern Transcon, causing some operational challenges over the past two weeks. BNSF teams are working hard to minimize impacts and continue to deliver consistent and reliable service performance. Despite the severe weather impacts, our service metrics remain strong, with average car velocity improving from last week, and terminal dwell also improving by nearly three percent from the prior week. Our local service compliance measure exceeds 90%.
 

In addition to the severe weather impacts, two brush fires caused brief service interruptions this week. One fire occurred yesterday evening on our Scenic Subdivision, which runs between Wenatchee in central Washington and Everett, WA. The other fire took place on Tuesday on our Phoenix Subdivision located in central Arizona. Both fires have been extinguished, and traffic has now resumed in both areas.

Independence Day Operating Plan
Coal trains - both loaded and empty - will continue to operate according to regular schedules; however, BNSF plans to minimize the number of yard, local and road-switch assignments at terminals on Friday, July 4, consistent with customer activity and volume demand. Connecting carriers who have reduced operations for the holiday may cause delays on interline traffic. 

Please click here for more information on the Coal Independence Day Operating Plan.

Service Expectations for the Week Ahead
Much of the central and western United States is currently experiencing hot and dry conditions as the weekend approaches, with temperatures expected to exceed 110 degrees in Arizona by the end of the weekend and into the following week. Over the next few days, periodic and sometimes severe storms are forecasted for the Midwest and South-Central U.S., stretching from Texas to the Dakotas and Minnesota. These storms may bring strong wind gusts, hail, and the potential for flash flooding. Flash flood warnings are currently in effect for parts of New Mexico and western Texas. BNSF teams are actively monitoring the conditions and will take the necessary measures to ensure safety and minimize service disruptions.

As always, we thank you for your business and appreciate the opportunity to serve as your transportation service provider. We welcome your feedback and questions.