10/09/2026 | News release | Archived content
Date
Oct 9, 2026
Operational Performance
The network continues to recover from significant weather-related service interruptions across portions of the Southwest, Southern Plains and Midwest last week. Heavy rainfall and flash flooding caused multiple washouts and flood damage on the El Paso Subdivision in southern New Mexico, temporarily taking the route out of service and disrupting traffic flows to/from Mexico. Additional flooding impacts included a washout on the Gallup Subdivision near the Arizona-New Mexico border and flooding in eastern Nebraska that reduced operating capacity through Lincoln Yard, an important gateway for coal traffic. In each location, BNSF teams moved quickly to assess damage and return affected infrastructure to service. Operations through Lincoln Yard resumed within approximately 24 to 36 hours of the most significant flooding impacts, and the Gallup Subdivision returned to normal operations within a similar timeframe. Despite more extensive flood-related damage, service on the El Paso Subdivision was restored by the end of the week.
The effects of these disruptions are reflected in the reporting-period metrics, with car velocity declining compared with both the prior week and prior month and terminal dwell increasing. Despite those impacts, local service remained above 91%, and volume was essentially unchanged from the prior week at more than 200,000 units. The network has continued to make steady progress in recent days as recovery efforts advance.
FXE Labor Dispute Affecting El Paso Gateway
Restrictions are in place for certain southbound agricultural commodities moving through the FXE interchange at El Paso due to an ongoing labor dispute in Mexico. Traffic continues to be shifted to Eagle Pass when possible, and an embargo remains in effect for certain movements through El Paso, with a permit process available for qualifying shipments. BNSF will continue to monitor the situation and work with affected customers as conditions evolve.
Customers may request a permit through the BNSF permit request form.
About Embargoes: Embargoes are temporary restrictions placed on freight traffic. You can view active embargoes through the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Embargo Railinc website by entering "BNSF" in the Issuing Road field.
Service Expectations for the Week Ahead
Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast late tonight and move inland through portions of the Southeast this weekend. While the storm is primarily east of most BNSF operations, customers with shipments moving through New Orleans or interchanging with eastern carriers may experience delays. BNSF operating teams will continue to coordinate with interchange partners as the storm progresses.
In the West, we are also monitoring weather associated with Tropical Storm Rachel, which may bring periods of heavy rain and gusty winds to portions of Southern California and the Southwest this weekend.
As always, we thank you for your business and appreciate the opportunity to serve as your transportation service provider. We welcome your feedback and questions.