BNSF Railway has established the First Mile/Last Mile program, a specialized initiative aimed at developing single wagonload freight operations across its extensive North American network, which covers approximately 52,300 kilometers (32,500 miles) in 28 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces.
The newly-formed team comprises 13 specialists, combining two previously separate divisions within BNSF: Shortline Development and Industrial Products Business Development. Based at the company's headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, the First Mile/Last Mile team focuses on single-carload traffic, working closely with shortline railways and industrial customers to optimize service quality, streamline operational procedures, and identify growth opportunities.
This initiative is aligned with BNSF’s Shortline Select program, established in late 2024. Shortline Select involves closer cooperation between BNSF and selected shortline railways to coordinate operations, particularly emphasizing interchange efficiency and shorter wagon dwell times. Participating shortlines currently include Genesee & Wyoming's Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway (AGR), Portland & Western Railway (PNWR), Burlington Junction Railway (BJRY), TNW Corporation’s Texas Northwestern Railroad (TXNW), and the Red River Valley & Western Railroad (RRVW).
The Shortline Select program specifically targets improved service consistency through improved operational coordination and shared data systems. Key performance indicators such as interchange efficiency and car dwell times are closely monitored, aiming at operational reliability.
Additionally, the integration of shortline transload facilities into BNSF’s Premier Transload Program is being pursued, alongside the development of Certified Sites beyond BNSF's immediate network. These Certified Sites are pre-assessed, rail-accessible industrial locations intended to streamline logistics planning and accelerate customer market entry.
