BNSF offers a full range of service options that include expedited container and trailer, standard container services and temperature-controlled capabilities.
We also offer flexible shipping strategies so customers can customize their speed, cost and frequency per shipment.
BNSF's superior intermodal network offers speeds faster than the next leading intermodal provider, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR).
BNSF's intermodal network is made up of some of the largest and most modern intermodal hub facilities in the industry — facilities that are designed to move your shipments across the BNSF system faster than ever before.
Intermodal Facilities Listings
Regions Domestic and International
Represents BNSF intermodal hubs and groupings in contractual agreements.
| BNSF intermodal facilities | FIRM codes |
|---|---|
| Alliance, TX - 1111 Intermodal Pkwy | T926 |
| Atlanta (Fairburn), GA - 6700 McLarin Rd. | O083 |
| Barstow, CA - 2825 W. Main St. | |
| Cicero, IL - 26th St. | J791 |
| Corwith, IL - 3526 W. 43rd St. | I145 |
| Denver, CO - 585 W. 53rd Place | H096 |
| El Paso, TX - 805 S. Santa Fe St. | S390 |
| Houston, TX - 214 Brisbane Rd. | S639 |
| Logistics Park Kansas City, KS - 32880 W. 191 St. | J177 |
| Los Angeles, CA - 4000 E. Sheila St., Bldg 39 | Y386 |
| Logistics Park Chicago, IL - 26664 S. Baseline Rd. | H572 |
| Memphis, TN - 4814 Lamar Ave. | P486 |
| Omaha, NE - 4370 Gibson Rd. | H397 |
| Oakland International Gateway, CA - 333 Maritime St. | Z944 |
| Phoenix, AZ - 5281 Tom Murray Rd. | Y386 |
| Portland, OR - 3930 NW Yeon | X086 |
| Seattle (International Gateway - SIG), WA - 44 S. Hanford | Y498 |
| S. Seattle, WA - 12400 51st Pl. S. | Y371 |
| Spokane, WA - 1800 N. Dickey | Y799 |
| St. Louis, MO - 3500 Wellington Ave. | J300 |
| St. Paul, MN - 1701 Pierce Butler Rt. | J828 |
| Stockton, CA - 6540 Austin Rd. | W675 |
A container is a weatherproof box designed for bulk shipment of freight. Domestic containers come in 45 feet, 48 feet and 53 feet-long options. Ocean containers come in 20 feet and 40 feet-long options. They are designed for all modes of intermodal transport.
A trailer is a weatherproof box with permanent wheels designed for bulk shipment of freight on rail, highway or combination of both. Trailers come in 45 feet, 48 feet and 53 feet-long options.
A temperature-controlled trailer is a weatherproof box with permanent wheels designed for perishable shipment of freight on rail, highway or combination of both. Trailers come in 45 feet, 48 feet and 53 feet-long options.
The most common intermodal container railcars that BNSF uses in intermodal transportation are shown below.
3 Well Double-Stack Car (There are also one and five well railcars)
Conventional Intermodal Car
An intermodal shipment greater than 8’6 wide and 13’6 high is considered Dimensional or Non-Standard Equipment. In general, with proper information and approvals (defined below), BNSF can handle shipments up to 11’ wide and 15’ high.
Any shipment greater than 11’ wide and 15’ high (17’ above top of rail) must follow the Carload Dimensional Process and move in manifest service (not to/from an Intermodal Hub).
Complete the form on your Dimensional or Non-Standard Equipment shipment.
Once approvals are received, your marketing representative will provide an Intermodal Special Price Authority.
When submitting the Shipping Instructions, state the shipment is Dimensional or Non-Standard Equipment, special price authority, actual commodity description (along with all the required elements as stated in the BNSF Intermodal Rules and Policies Guide, Item 7: Shipping Instructions).
When tendering an Oversized shipment, it will be placed on Hold (LSHold) for Mechanical and Clearance Inspections. Inspections may take up to 2-3 business days.
| Area | Name | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical - Tie Down | Scott VanGosen | Tel: 913-551-4614 |
| Intermodal Hubs Ops | Barry Russell | Tel: 817-867-6388 |
| Load and Ride Solutions (LARS) | LARS Contacts Intermodal Loading Guide |
|
| AAR Publications | AAR Open Top Rules Other AAR Updates |
Tel: 877-999-8824 |
| Carload High/Wide Clearance | Carload High Wide Contacts |
BNSF has partners with intermodal carriers to provide containers or trailers if you do not own your own equipment. In addition to providing equipment, these carriers can assist with moving individual or multiple shipments, including interline traffic and complete door-to-door movement by arranging equipment, waybilling (shipping instructions), draying, tracing, etc. For more information, contact a BNSF sales representative.
If you do own your own equipment, please review the information below:
Loading and Shipment Safety
Loading assistance and information.
Intermodal Loading Guide
Guidelines to properly load contents into equipment for intermodal transportation.
Demurrage and Storage
Intermodal storage.
Prohibited Hazardous Commodities
Prohibited commodities in some equipment.
At various intermodal facilities, Neutral Chassis Pools are available for your use. See the table below for BNSF locations and pool operator contact information. To utilize Neutral Pool Chassis, a Chassis Use Agreement with the pool operator is required. Equipment rental charges are the responsibility of the user. Twenty (20'), forty (40'), and forty-five (45') foot chassis are available.
| BNSF Intermodal Facility | Pool | Vendor Leasing Co | Equipment Initials | Pick up and return chassis to the same facility unless noted | Vendor Name | Vendor Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alliance, TX | GCCP | CCM | Monty Falls | Tel: 713-675-0600 | ||
| Birmingham, AL | SACP | CCM | Ken Tock | Tel: 813-746-5337 | ||
| Chicago, IL | COCP | CCM | Chris Davis | Tel: 847-346-0975 | ||
| Cicero, IL | COCP | CCM | Chris Davis | Tel: 847-346-0975 | ||
| Denver, CO | DCCP | CCM | Allen Youngs | Tel: 303-293-0103 | ||
| El Paso, TX | GCCP | CCM | Monty Falls | Tel: 713-675-0600 | ||
| Houston, TX | GCCP | CCM | Monty Falls | Tel: 713-675-0600 | ||
| Logistics Park Kansas City | MWCP | CCM | Robert Kline | Tel: 816-472-2264 | ||
| Logistics Park, IL | COCP | CCM | Chris Davis | Tel: 847-346-0975 | ||
| Los Angeles, CA | Neutral | Flexi-van | FWAZ | BNSF | Christine Korsak | Tel: 908-276-8000 |
| New Orleans, LA* | GCCP | CCM | Monty Falls | Tel: 713-675-0600 | ||
| Oakland, CA | Neutral | Flexi-van | FORZ | BNSF | Christine Korsak | Tel: 908-276-8000 |
| Omaha, NE | MWCP | CCM | Robert Kline | Tel: 816-472-2264 | ||
| Portland, CA | Neutral | TRAC | TSSZ | BNSF (South Seattle) | Pam Di Meglio | Tel: 609-986-0268 |
| S Seattle, WA | Neutral | TRAC | TSSZ | BNSF (Portland) | Pam Di Meglio | Tel: 609-986-0268 |
| St. Louis, MO* | MWCP | CCM | Robert Kline | Tel: 816-472-2264 | ||
| St. Paul, MN | Neutral | TRAC | TSPZ | BNSF | Pam DiMeglio | Tel: 609-986-0268 |
At some locations, the chassis may be returned to another city or to another railroad's intermodal facility within the same city.
* Private chassis may not be staged at these locations.
BNSF has invested in the latest technology to minimize equipment damage. This advanced lift technology features:
The benefits of this technology include:
BNSF uses a manufacturer-approved, patented wedge device that prevents the airbag from stretching during lift operations.
Your Guide To Going Intermodal
Learn which intermodal service option is best for your supply chain.
Intermodal Advisor
Find out how to lower your transportation costs.
Intermodal Customer Reference Guide
Describes how to ship an intermodal shipment.
Loading and Restricted Commodities
Outlines some Restricted Commodities and aspects of the Intermodal Rules and Policies Guide.
Customs Fees
Surcharges for Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) inspects.
The following surcharges are applied on intermodal shipments traversing the Alameda Corridor or originating or terminating at the Port of Portland and Port of Tacoma.
BNSF may impose surcharges as stated in the BNSF Intermodal Rules and Policies Guide. All applicable intermodal shipments are subject to these charges, regardless of price authority (including contracts and agreements). Surcharges are applied to the freight bill based on the BNSF shipping instructions (waybill) date.
Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority Current Use Fees and Container Charges are applicable for shipments traversing the Alameda Corridor.
Port of Portland Rail Carrier Intermodal Yard Facility Fee is stated in the Port of Portland Marine Terminal Item 8.
Port of Tacoma Intermodal Facility Charges is stated in the Containers Section of the Port of Tacoma Tariff 300, Section 6.
Prohibited Hazardous Commodities
Prohibited commodities in some equipment.
Bulk Agricultural Products
Procedures to ship bulk products via intermodal.
Coiled Metal Shipment Policies and Procedures
Procedures to ship coiled metal via intermodal.
BNSF customers can stay up-to-date on the latest news covering BNSF services, tools, prices and facilities by subscribing to BNSF Customer Notifications.
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LEARN MOREOur consistent and cost-effective service takes products of any size to customers when and where they need them.
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