Photo by BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway, formerly known as Burlington Northern Santa Fe, is a major freight railroad in the United States. It was formed in 1995 through the merger of Burlington Northern Railroad and Santa Fe Railway. BNSF operates one of the largest freight rail networks in North America, serving 28 states and three Canadian provinces.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Explained
- Formation: BNSF was created when Burlington Northern, Inc. (parent company of Burlington Northern Railroad) merged with Santa Fe Pacific Corporation (parent company of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway) in 1995.
- Network: The railroad operates a vast network of over 32,500 route miles of track, connecting the western and eastern United States with three transcontinental routes.
- Freight: BNSF is a major transporter of various commodities, including consumer goods, grain, agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods like petroleum, chemicals, and building materials.
- Key Predecessors: BNSF’s history is rooted in the legacy of several significant railroads, including the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Burlington Northern; Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Frisco; Great Northern; Northern Pacific; and Spokane, Portland & Seattle.
- Parent Company: In 2010, BNSF became a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate headed by Warren Buffett.
- Focus on Efficiency and Technology: BNSF Railway emphasizes technological advancements and operational efficiency to provide safe and reliable transportation services.
- Serving the Economy: BNSF plays a vital role in the U.S. economy by connecting communities and facilitating the movement of goods that support various industries.
United States