BNSF honors employees for exceptional work

BNSF Railway Co. this week recognized a group of employees for outstanding achievements in 2016.

BNSF's annual Employees of the Year program identifies employees who've made exceptional contributions while demonstrating the company's "vision and values through commitment, leadership and focus on working safely and efficiently to meet customer expectations," according to a BNSF press release.

Of more than 40,000 employees, 65 were recognized for individual and team achievements last year. Another 40 were acknowledged for safety leadership, all of whom led teams that worked throughout 2016 without a reportable injury.

"These employees are a reflection of our entire team's resolve to focus on safety, serve our customers, improve efficiency and performance, and deliver on the essential role we play in our global economy every day," said BNSF President and Chief Executive Officer Carl Ice.

Examples of the employees' efforts include the efficient transition of the majority of BNSF's frac sand business to unit train service; the successful renewal of BNSF direct operations on the 130-mile rail line between Tenaha and Silsbee, Texas, previously operated by Timber Rock Railroad; and partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration to develop a safety integration plan for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations of unmanned aerial vehicles in the United States.

Also recognized were five Safety Employees of the Year, who represent the engineering, intermodal business unit operations, mechanical, telecommunications and transportation teams.