Hondo Railway BNSF
Written by jrood
The Hondo Railway (HRR) was named Shortline of the Year at BNSF Railway's 15th annual Shortline Conference held in Irving, Texas, on October 13, 2011.
"The Hondo Railway has exceeded BNSF’s expectations through
innovation, determination, vision and entrepreneurial spirit," said Dean
Wise, BNSF vice president, Network Strategy.
"This conference
brings together our shortline partners allowing us to share best
practices and discuss ways we can work together to continue to offer our
mutual customers exceptional service," said Wise. "Hondo Railway
exemplifies that mission and should be commended for their commitment to
this industry."
BNSF said HRR has reacted quickly to new business
opportunities by investing capital to establish a market presence. It
is on pace to more than double its volumes this year due to its focused
and intense marketing efforts. Since the opening of its facility in
Hondo, Texas, in 2006, HRR has more than tripled the size of its yard
and purchased additional locomotives and equipment. HRR currently
operates more than 80,000 feet of track within the 56-acre facility.
BNSF also said HRR is well positioned to handle commodities needed by
Eagle Ford Shale oilfield service companies, including frac sand and
drilling mud, and is capable of handling bulk, dimensional and liquid
commodities in unit or manifest trains.
BNSF also presented Achievement Awards to Watco Companies, LLC, and The Minnesota Commercial Railway.
Watco
was recognized for its "Focus on Improvement." Watco was the first
company to help beta test the new BNSF Shortline Velocity Tool. A number
of Watco suggestions were incorporated in the tool to make it more
valuable to BNSF’s shortline partners. Watco’s efforts clearly
demonstrate their commitment to finding ways to work better and smarter.
Minnesota
Commercial was recognized for "Excellence in Customer Service" for
innovation in serving the energy industry’s demand for frac sand. This
year, Minnesota Commercial stepped forward and offered one of its energy
customers an extremely successful "all inclusive" package, including
transload, switching, loading and weighing services.
