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BNSF Railway Co. recently implemented an Automated Gate System (AGS) at its San Bernardino, Calif., intermodal facility.

AGS features optical character recognition (OCR), biometric driver identification and high-definition video imagery to improve safety, security and efficiency at gate entry. The system also stores photo images to assist with damage prevention.

As a tractor-trailer passes through a video portal, the AGS records images of the equipment and an OCR device reads the container and chassis unit numbers automatically. Drivers then complete their gate transaction at entry kiosks and receive a printed receipt.

BNSF previously installed AGS systems at its Chicago-area Logistics Park and Corwith intermodal terminals, and Alliance, Texas, terminal. The systems have helped the Class I reduce driver transaction time by more than 50 percent and operational costs by 60 percent, according to an item posted on the “BNSF News” Web site.

The railroad used a design/build method to install the system at the San Bernardino facility. The method helped BNSF implement the technology within four months and complete the project 10 percent under budget.