BNSF to discontinue Fresno-to-Chicago intermodal service in early December

BNSF Railway Co. plans to discontinue its intermodal service from Fresno, Calif., to Chicago on Dec. 8.

As part of ongoing efforts to improve intermodal service, transit times and operational consistency, the railroad is consolidating its California service offerings. As a result, the Fresno intermodal service will be discontinued, although all other operations at BNSF’s Fresno yard won't be impacted.

The service consolidation calls for shifting traffic to the Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Stockton facilities so the Class I can provide more consistent and frequent service for customers shipping freight in and out of California's central valley. For example, BNSF will be able to offer up to 24 hours in reduced transit times and up to seven days per week in service availability, including multiple cutoff options.

"We have been working directly with our impacted customers to help facilitate the transition of their business to our intermodal facilities in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Stockton," said BNSF spokesperson Amy Casas in an emailed statement.