Automotive Network Update for Friday, July 31, 2026

Operational Performance
BNSF operating teams are building on strong network performance heading into August. Car velocity increased nearly 3% from the prior week and is running above average June levels. Terminal dwell improved compared with the prior week and stayed near recent performance levels, while local service held above 91%. 

Earlier this week, a derailment on FXE's Camacho District in Mexico temporarily affected rail traffic moving through both the El Paso and Eagle Pass gateways. The mainline reopened this morning. Customers may experience limited interchanges over the next 24-48 hours as FXE regains fluidity, with cross-border traffic flows expected to continue improving through the weekend.

Galesburg Yard Expansion Complete
Located about 200 miles southwest of Chicago, Galesburg Yard is BNSF's second-largest hump yard and a key merchandise terminal for sorting and classifying railcars moving across the Midwest and broader network. The recently completed expansion project adds capacity and improves yard efficiency, supporting long-term growth at one of BNSF's most important merchandise terminals. With the upgraded yard, Galesburg will be able to process approximately three additional trains per day, or about 300 cars. 

Construction of the new hump lead connection as part of the Galesburg Yard expansion project – Galesburg, Illinois – July 2026
 
Service Expectations for the Week Ahead
Significant heat is expected to persist across southern portions of the network through the weekend, with higher temperatures also building across the Southwest and parts of the northern Rockies and High Plains. Active storm activity, including heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms, is possible across portions of the northern and central Plains into the Upper Midwest. BNSF teams will continue monitoring conditions and adjust operations as needed to support safe and reliable service.

A ~36-hour maintenance window is scheduled to begin Sunday on the Fallbridge Subdivision near Bingen, Washington, approximately 65 miles east of Portland, to support a bridge replacement project and other planned infrastructure work. Reroutes have been planned to minimize customer impacts, though some shipments moving to and from Portland may experience additional transit time during the work window.
 
As always, we thank you for your business and appreciate the opportunity to serve as your transportation service provider. We welcome your feedback and questions.