CSX, BNSF, Norfolk Southern Issue Winter Weather Service Advisories

Image courtesy of Norfolk Southern

ATLANTA –– With a massive winter storm that is expected to bring rain, sleet, snow, and ice to much of the nation over the next few days, CSX, BNSF, and Norfolk Southern have issued severe weather service advisories.

CSX

“Please be advised that CSX is closely monitoring a severe winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and ice across the Plains to the mid-Atlantic in the coming days. This weather event may impact operations in our Southwest Region, including Evansville, Nashville, Chattanooga, and potentially as far south as Atlanta. Our team is proactively mobilizing resources to respond quickly and minimize any disruptions.
 
“To help ensure safety and reduce the risk of local service delays, customers are asked to keep tracks and switches clear of snow and ice. Refer to the CSX Winter Safety video for helpful guidance.
 
“CSX will provide service updates as storm conditions evolve. We encourage you to monitor our CSX Customer Advisories and Intermodal-specific Real-Time Service Advisories for any operational actions that may become necessary. 
 
“If your site experiences closures or changes in service needs due to the storm, please notify your CSX contact promptly.

“The Customer Solutions team is available to offer details and answer questions regarding your shipments. Connect with the Customer Solutions team at 1-877-ShipCSX (1-877-744-7279). If you need Carload assistance, select option 2 from the sub-menu, followed by 1, 5 to talk to a representative. For Intermodal assistance, choose 2 from the sub-menu, followed by 2, 2 to converse with a representative. Alternatively, you can submit a Shipment Problem Resolution request via our website www.shipcsx.com.”

BNSF

“A significant winter storm is moving across the country and strengthening as it tracks east across the Northern and Central Plains Friday into the weekend. The system will be accompanied by a surge of arctic air, bringing frigid temperatures, strong winds, and accumulating snow and ice.

“The storm is expected to impact more than two dozen states, affecting most of the BNSF network as it progresses from west to east. Forecasts indicate widespread snow accumulations, with 8-15 inches possible across central Oklahoma, northern Arkansas, southern Missouri and western Kentucky, along with areas of sleet and freezing rain. In locations experiencing ice accumulation, hazardous travel conditions and localized power outages are likely. Wind chills well below zero are expected in northern areas, with freezing temperatures extending into the Southern Plains, including parts of Oklahoma and Texas. Cold conditions will persist through the weekend and into early next week.

“Ahead of the storm, BNSF has implemented proactive preparedness measures and positioned resources across the network to support safe operations and an efficient response as conditions evolve. Winter action plans have been activated, and snow-removal resources are positioned throughout the network, including at key intermodal hubs and facilities. Rail switches are protected by more than 5,100 switch heaters across the network, including 150 heaters upgraded since last winter to improve reliability during extreme cold.

“To support operations in extreme cold conditions, BNSF is adjusting train length and utilizing distributed power where appropriate to maintain consistent air pressure throughout the train. We also have rapid-response teams available 24/7, including engineering crews prepared to remove snow and inspect track conditions, and mechanical teams ready to address locomotive and railcar issues as they arise. In areas where highway conditions may limit employee access, snow coaches, specially restored passenger rail cars, are available to transport crews and support continued operations safely.

“At this time, all BNSF intermodal facilities are fully operational, and all gates are expected to remain open. Drivers operating in and out of intermodal facilities should use RailPASS to receive real-time updates if conditions change. 

“Customers with shipments scheduled to move through impacted regions should expect delays and extended transit times, and may notice nonstandard routings, locations, and interchanges when tracing their freight. In the event your site must close or modify service due to the storm, or for inquiries regarding shipments, please use the “Message Us” feature on the BNSF Customer Portal (registration and login required) or contact BNSF Customer Support at 1-888-428-2673. Please reach out to your BNSF marketing representative with any questions.” 

NORFOLK SOUTHERN

“Norfolk Southern is monitoring and preparing for a significant winter storm which is expected to impact large portions of the Plains, Mississippi Valley, Southeast, and Mid Atlantic from Friday through Saturday night with heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain.

“Widespread snowfall totals of 3–6 inches are forecasted, with localized 6–12 inches, from the Southern Plains through the Tennessee Valley, Southern Appalachians, Virginia, and the Mid Atlantic. Freezing rain will impact Texas, the Lower Mississippi Valley, the Deep South, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Sub-freezing temperatures will persist throughout the storm with overnight lows in the single digits to teens.

“At this time, all Norfolk Southern Intermodal facilities are operating under normal conditions and no terminal or gate closures are planned. NS will continue to monitor and adapt to conditions over the weekend as additional winter hazards may continue into Sunday. Customers are strongly encouraged to review local forecasts and Department of Transportation information for updates regarding conditions in their local areas.

“Intermodal terminal information can be found by visiting www.norfolksouthern.com/intermodal and selecting Terminal & Schedules or by clicking here.

“We encourage drivers to take advantage of our ExpressNS+™ mobile application which streamlines gate and terminal processes for our drayage community. With ExpressNS+™, drivers can verify billing, submit pre-gate information, obtain parking and pickup locations, receive electronic interchange receipts, and submit bad order information. More information on ExpressNS+™ can be found by scanning the QR code below or by visiting https://www.norfolksouthern.com/en/ship-by-rail/industry/intermodal/expressns.”