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    RAILYARD OPERATIONS

    BNSF Railway (BNSF) Railyards

    BNSF Railway is a leading North American freight railroad, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, and plays a critical role in connecting major markets and supporting the U.S. economy through high-volume rail transportation.

    Railyard Overview

    The BNSF railyard in Fort Worth is centrally located and owned by BNSF Railway, serving as a major operational hub for managing freight movement across the region and supporting both local and national logistics. The facility is integral to BNSF’s network, providing essential services for freight classification, train assembly, and regional distribution.

    BNSF Railway (BNSF) classification yard operations

    MAJOR CLASSIFICATION YARDS

    This yard functions as a major classification facility, capable of processing a high volume of railcars daily and efficiently sorting freight for onward movement to various destinations.

    INTERMODAL TERMINALS

    The Fort Worth yard supports intermodal operations with container handling capabilities, utilizing modern cranes and lift equipment to transfer containers between trains and trucks for seamless multimodal logistics.

    BNSF Railway (BNSF) intermodal terminal operations

    MAJOR RAILYARD FACILITIES

    Strategic Yard Locations

    Major Yard

    Inbound trains are received through dedicated arrival tracks, where railcars undergo initial inspection for safety and mechanical compliance before being routed for further processing.

    Secondary Yard

    Classification operations involve advanced switching systems that sort railcars by destination, using multiple tracks and automated switches to assemble outbound trains efficiently.

    SPECIALIZED FACILITIES

    Advanced Railyard Operations

    BNSF Railway (BNSF) automotive loading facility

    Automotive Facilities

    State-of-the-art automotive loading and unloading facilities designed to handle finished vehicles with care and efficiency. Our multilevel loading ramps and specialized equipment ensure safe handling of automobiles throughout the transportation process.

    BNSF Railway (BNSF) maintenance and repair facilities

    Maintenance Facilities

    The facility includes comprehensive maintenance shops equipped for locomotive servicing, routine inspections, and railcar repairs, ensuring reliable operations and minimizing downtime.

    TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

    Advanced Railyard Technology

    Automated Systems

    Yard management is supported by integrated software systems that track car locations, manage train movements, and optimize workflow throughout the facility.

    Yard Management Systems

    Safety and communication systems include centralized dispatch, radio communications, and automated warning devices to ensure safe and coordinated yard operations.

    Coal & Bulk Terminals

    Powder River Basin Facilities

    Gate operations utilize automated processing systems for efficient entry and exit of trucks and containers, including electronic documentation and security checks.

    Grain Elevators & Terminals

    Storage and stacking operations are managed with designated tracks and paved areas for container stacking, allowing for flexible storage and rapid retrieval of freight.

    Port & Marine Connections

    BNSF Railway (BNSF) port terminal operations
    • Gateways
      The yard serves as a key gateway for interchange with other major railroads, facilitating connections to national and regional partners.
    • Terminals
      Direct access to major highways and proximity to industrial facilities enable efficient transfer of goods between rail and road networks.

    OPERATIONAL METRICS

    Railyard Performance & Capacity

    Daily Processing Volume

    The yard handles a substantial volume of railcars and intermodal units daily, supporting high-throughput operations that are essential for regional and national supply chains.

    Infrastructure Investments

    Recent infrastructure investments have focused on upgrading track layouts, expanding intermodal capacity, and implementing advanced technology systems to enhance efficiency and safety.

    SPECIALIZED SERVICES

    Value-Added Railyard Services

    Inspection and repair services

    Inspection & Repair Services

    Inspection services are conducted in compliance with FRA regulations, including routine mechanical inspections and safety checks for all inbound and outbound equipment.

    Transloading and crossdocking services

    Transloading & Crossdocking

    Transloading facilities are available for transferring bulk and packaged goods between railcars and trucks, supporting a wide range of commodities and flexible logistics solutions.

    SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES

    Sustainable Railyard Operations

    Safety Protocols

    Comprehensive safety protocols include regular employee training, hazard identification programs, and the use of automated safety systems to minimize risks.

    Environmental Stewardship

    Environmental stewardship initiatives include energy-efficient equipment, emissions reduction programs, and responsible waste management practices to minimize the facility’s environmental impact.

    FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

    Railyard expansion and modernization plans

    Expansion Plans

    Planned improvements focus on expanding yard capacity, upgrading technology systems, and enhancing intermodal infrastructure to accommodate future growth.

    Challenges

    Operational challenges include managing congestion during peak periods, coordinating complex train movements, and maintaining infrastructure reliability.

    Opportunities

    Opportunities exist in expanding intermodal services, leveraging technology for greater efficiency, and supporting regional economic development through enhanced logistics capabilities.

    Risk Mitigation

    Key operational risks include service disruptions from severe weather, equipment failures, and potential safety incidents, all of which are mitigated through robust contingency planning and risk management programs.