Class I Briefs: BNSF, UP
Written by Carolina Worrell, Senior Editor
BNSF is named among “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024” by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group and gets ready to provide direct service between the Southern California ports and central Colorado with the opening of the Class I railroad’s Logistics Center Hudson. Also, Union Pacific (UP) is recognized as The Home Depot’s 2023 Rail Carrier of the Year.
BNSF
BNSF on Feb. 8 announced that it has been named among “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024” by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.
This year’s list, a result of more than 1.5 million company reviews, features large and mid-size companies that were examined through public data, interviews and anonymous surveys by employees who shared their insights into corporate culture and working environments.
In its second year, “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity” highlights companies in 78 industries that have “shown a proven commitment to recruiting and advancing individuals of various races, genders, orientations and abilities.”
“BNSF is honored to be recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024, as we are committed to a culture where all employees feel included, belong and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential,” said BNSF Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Judy Carter. We know that BNSF is better as an organization when we create an environment where our unique backgrounds, skills and experiences are considered our greatest strength.”
The full report is available here.
Separately, BNSF shared a photo (see below) via LinkedIn of the very first train to depart from the startup of a private intermodal facility at the Class I railroad’s Logistics Center Hudson in Hudson, Colo.
With the opening of this new facility, BNSF says it is ready to provide direct service between the Southern California ports and central Colorado to support its customers looking to increase their presence in the growing Denver market.
The development and opening of the facility were made possible through collaboration among BNSF, U.S. Rail & Logistics (USRL), and ConGlobal.
“Thanks to our employees and our partners in this endeavor. Great work on bringing the vision to reality,” BNSF wrote in the LinkedIn post.
With 430 acres and easy access to I-76 and BNSF’s main line, Logistics Center Hudson has room for multiple shovel-ready, rail-served sites that can be customized to meet any customer’s needs.
More information on BNSF’s Logistics Centers is available here.
UP
UP announced Feb. 8 that it has been recognized by Home Depot as the 2023 Rail Carrier of the Year. This marks the third time in four years that the Class I railroad has won the award.
When presenting the award at its annual Executive Carrier Conference, The Home Depot credited UP for being “a fantastic partner on key initiatives, excellent lead time and switch execution, and being a leader in rail service metrics.”
“We are proud to serve The Home Depot with operational excellence, and we look forward to continued partnership,” said UP Senior Vice President of Industrial Products Jacque Bendon. “This recognition shows what is possible when our Union Pacific team works together to provide a great service product.”
The Home Depot’s business is touched by many at Union Pacific, with departments working closely together to develop and execute transportation solutions.
