BNSF, YRC Freight expand intermodal business with new containers

BNSF Railway Co. and YRC Freight announced yesterday they will have expanded their intermodal business by putting more than 600 intermodal containers into service by year's end.

The new containers are part of YRC's commitment to acquire 1,000 branded intermodal containers by the end of 2020. Most of the containers will travel between Chicago and Southern California on BNSF's network, both organizations said in a joint press release.

"We are always looking at how we can create more efficiencies and greater capacity on our network, particularly in markets like the Inland Empire where containerization will help us leverage capacity to grow with increasing demand over time," said Todd Carter, BNSF's vice president of domestic intermodal.

YRC Freight is implementing strategies to reduce its carbon footprint, including its work with BNSF, the use of longer combination vehicles, the use of new tractors with advanced emission reduction technology, and integration of routing and load optimization software, YRC officials said.

"Operationally, all intermodal companies are looking at how to improve efficiency," said Maynard Skarka, YRC Freight senior VP of operations. "Currently, we use smaller trailers called 'pups' to transport freight for our customers. This new shift to our branded containerized units will allow us to stay aligned with intermodal companies as we both look for operational efficiencies."