BNSF, J.B. Hunt launch effort to improve intermodal capacity

BNSF Railway Co. and J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. today announced the launch of a joint effort to improve intermodal capacity.

As part of the initiative, BNSF will increase capability at multiple intermodal facilities. To further integrate its joint service product with J.B. Hunt, BNSF will provide several property locations around key intermodal hubs in Southern California, Chicago and other key markets to increase efficiency at terminals, BNSF and J.B. Hunt officials said in a joint press release.

Additionally, BNSF will bolster its rail-car equipment to accommodate an anticipated increase in container capacity, which will support efficient throughput and strong service performance, they said.

Demand for intermodal services has grown significantly in recent years as companies look to secure capacity while reducing costs and their carbon footprint, BNSF and J.B. Hunt officials said. Based on current and projected trends, J.B. Hunt plans to grow its intermodal fleet to as many as 150,000 containers in the next three to five years, a more than 40% increase from its count at the end of 2021. The company has completed more than 4 million intermodal loads since 2020.

"Over the past few years, intermodal has been disrupted by increased demand and tight capacity, resulting in poor container velocity and long dwell times," said J.B. Hunt President and CEO John Roberts. "Together, J.B. Hunt and BNSF will enhance their work to bring back the consistency and reliability customers expect with intermodal services and further embrace intermodal conversion and transloading services."

In addition to growing its container count, J.B. Hunt will add supporting chassis based on market need. Over the years, both companies have invested billions of dollars to meet the increasing demand for intermodal service.

The companies will leverage technology, including the J.B. Hunt 360^°®, to improve efficiencies in rail transport. The company estimates that an additional 7 million to 11 million shipments could be converted to intermodal, supporting long-term growth opportunities while avoiding carbon emissions.

"We will raise the bar on service to the next level through technology and innovation as we further integrate our platforms with real-time data exchanges," said BNSF President and CEO Katie Farmer. "We want our customers to enjoy the best of both worlds: economical and environmentally-friendly service delivered by transportation’s premium providers."

Meanwhile, BNSF yesterday became the newest member of Cyclyx International, a consortium-based supply chain innovation company with a mission to increase the recycling rate of plastic from 10% to 90%.

John Lovenburg, vice president of environment and sustainability at BNSF, will be joining Cyclyx’s executive advisory board, Cyclyx officials said in a press release.