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Consider it an outreach program of another sort. Last week, the BNSF International Intermodal University (BNSF IIU) completed its first semester in Fort Worth, Texas, for 31 “students” from 18 international shippers.

The university conducted courses and provided tours of BNSF Railway Co.’s Fort Worth and Chicago intermodal facilities to provide the students — some of whom came from China and Korea — a “deeper understanding of the U.S. transportation system in general and of BNSF in particular,” according to the Class I’s “BNSF Today” Web site.

During the five-day semester, BNSF experts led courses, which included lectures and hands-on technology training. Courses covered intermodal’s role in the global supply chain, the complexities of real-time dispatching, e-business tools, BNSF’s rules and policies, and other topics.

“I loved the whole experience,” said Michael Lee of Maersk Line, Shanghai. “My favorite part was the tour. I have never seen how BNSF operates.”

BNSF IIU plans to conduct additional sessions in the near future.