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To: All BNSF Customers
09/04/2015

Service Update for Friday, September 4, 2015

The operation generated steady performance with improved locomotive, train and car velocity this week. Good fluidity was reported across the network as well as a reduced number of total trains held. We also surpassed by a substantial margin our highest weekly volume of 2015 to date at 211,411 units. This robust volume represents the 2nd highest weekly level recorded since 2007 and marks the sixth consecutive week where volume has exceeded the 200,000 level.

As we reported, we experienced intermittent track closures earlier this week along our Hi-Line Subdivision near Essex, Montana due to the ongoing wildfire situation. However, conditions have improved considerably as cool, wet weather has moved into the area. Traffic flows have normalized and both main tracks are currently in full operation. While we remain in close coordination with local fire officials on firefighting needs, further service disruptions are not expected at the present time.

We also continue to make progress on completing the nearly 70 expansion projects that are part of our 2015 capital program. On Tuesday, four miles of new double-track went into service on our Midway Subdivision, which runs between Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. This completed double-track will help ease congestion through the Twin Cities by providing significant additional capacity. Double-track, as explained in the video below, greatly enhances our ability to manage train flows and address long-term customer capacity needs.



More than 100 miles of new double-track will be added on the network this year.

Below is a look at the key operational performance categories for the week ending September 1:

Total trains held for the week decreased by 3.5 percent to an average of 67.0 versus 69.4 recorded the prior week.

    Versus the same week last year: down by 72.3%
    Versus the same week in 2013: down by 39.3%

Total trains on the system was essentially unchanged from the prior week with an average of 1,596 trains on the system.

Locomotive velocity, measured in miles per day (MPD), was 281.0, which is up by nearly one percent from the prior week's 279.1 MPD.

Locomotive dwell decreased by nearly five percent from the prior week at 17.3 hours.

Car velocity was up by nearly one percent at 216.2 MPD versus 214.3 MPD recorded the prior week.
    Versus the same week last year: up by 19.3%
    Versus the same week in 2013: up by 4.6%

Train velocity was also up by nearly one percent from the prior week at 18.3 miles per hour.
    Versus the same week last year: up by 22.8%
    Versus the same week in 2013: up by 6.4%

Total volume was up by more than 3,500 loads with a year-to-date high of 211,441 units moved in Week 34 (ending August 29).

Terminal dwell was down by nearly two percent from the prior week at 24.6 hours.
    Versus the same week last year: down by 12.1%
    Versus the same week in 2013: unchanged

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.

If you have any questions, please send an email to Customer.Notifications@bnsf.com