Class I Briefs: BNSF/CSX, CPKC

BNSF and CSX have been included in the 2023 National Diversity Council (NDC) Index. Also, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has been recognized for innovation by the SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) Awards.

The NDC earlier this month reported that 47 companies participated in its 2023 Index, a measurement of organizational commitment to diversity and inclusion among U.S. companies. The annual index rates companies on five assessment areas: CEO engagement; policies, benefits and initiatives; supplier diversity; community outreach; and corporate social responsibility. To participate, companies must have a minimum of 500 employees or be a Fortune 1000 company with U.S. subsidiaries, according to NDC.

The best U.S. companies for diversity receive scores of more than 90 points out of 100, NDC said. This year, they included AAA–The Auto Club Group, Cigna, Corewell Health, and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.

BNSF and CSX were the only two railroad companies included in the 2023 Index.

“BNSF’s score of 87 out of 100 in this year’s NDC Index report shows that we’ve made good progress on living our values of diversity and inclusion at BNSF, but we know we still have work to do,” the Class I reported via LinkedIn on May 16. “We accept that challenge and will continue our journey to ensure BNSF is a place where all employees have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Each of us at BNSF has a responsibility to support a culture where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and has equal access to tools, resources, training and development opportunities.”

CSX received a score of 67 out of 100 points on the 2023 NDC Index.

“We are extremely excited to see the number of participating companies increase each year and applaud the 47 companies that worked diligently to complete the survey for 2023,” NDC Senior Vice President and interim CEO Sofia Anthony said.

The SEAL Awards on May 16 announced the winners of its 2023 awards that honor leadership, innovation and commitment to sustainable business practices. CPKC was one of 20 companies to earn a SEAL Sustainable Innovation Award from the San Diego, Calif.-based group, which describes itself as “an awards-driven environmental advocacy organization.” Also presented were SEAL Environmental Initiative Awards, SEAL Sustainable Product Awards, and SEAL Sustainable Service Awards.

“Thank you SEAL Awards for recognizing CPKC as a sustainability leader,” the Class I railroad reported in a May 16 LinkedIn post. “Our Hydrogen Locomotive Program, which seeks to design, build and operate North America’s first line-haul hydrogen-powered locomotive, is intended to spur innovation, demonstrate leadership, and encourage supply chain collaboration all to advance zero-emissions fuel cell technology for the freight transportation sector.”

Honeywell and Dow also received SEAL Sustainable Innovation Awards.

In a related development, CPKC and Teck Coal Limited (Teck) earlier this month reported entering into a long-term rail agreement for transportation of steelmaking coal from Teck’s four operations in southeastern, B.C.