Class I Briefs: BNSF, CN
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
CN has committed to the United Nations Global Compact initiative, which it describes as a “voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices.” (Photograph Courtesy of CN, via Twitter)
BNSF updates customers on compliance with Carta Porte regulations for Mexico shipments. Also, CN joins the United Nations (UN) Global Compact initiative.
The Mexican Tax Authority (SAT) will begin enforcing the new Carta Porte rules on Dec. 31, 2022, BNSF reported in a Nov. 7 online customer notification. “As previously communicated, the Carta Porte requirements issued last year by the SAT mandate require additional waybill information on shipments moving to Mexico,” according to the Class I, which noted that specific requirements could be found in the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Carta Porte Supplement (scroll down to download).
BNSF said it will implement the requirements starting Dec. 15 to “allow for adequate testing and ensure a smooth transition to the new process,” and will continue to work with customers to “test systems and help them prepare.”
“As a part of the new SAT rules, EDI 404/BNSF Origin shipments, and EDI 417/ traffic received in interchange, will require complete Carta Porte data,” BNSF explained. “BNSF may hold shipments that are not compliant with the Carta Porte requirements at origin and/or reject shipments at interchange. Additionally, non-compliant shipments may be subject to additional fees and charges.
“BNSF systems have been enabled to accept the additional Carta Porte information via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) as well as in our Shipping Instructions application. In Shipping Instructions, for multiple Mexico-bound units, Carta Porte information can be copied from the lead unit to each follower unit. The Shipping Instructions application is accessible via the BNSF Customer Portal (login/password required).”
In related developments, Union Pacific in October updated customers on Carta Porte requirements.
CN on Nov. 8 reported committing to the UN Global Compact initiative.
CN said it has joined the “voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices.” More than 15,000 companies and 3,800 non-business signatories, based in 160-plus countries, participate.
“The UN Global Compact calls for companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption, and to take action in support of UN goals and issues embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals,” according to the Class I railroad.
“We are proud to join companies across the world that are demonstrating leadership by implementing responsible business practices,” CN President and CEO Tracy Robinson said. “Sustainability is central to CN’s objective to be the safest and most carbon-efficient, operationally effective, and customer-centric railroad in North America.”
In related developments, Canadian Pacific (CP) on July 7 reported joining the UN Global Compact.
