BNSF launches new RELOAD program aimed to utilize movement of empty containers

FORT WORTH, TEXAS, June 3, 2026 - BNSF Railway, one of the leading freight transportation providers in North America, announces BNSF RELOAD, an innovative solution designed to create balance and efficiency for westbound domestic shipments.

The new service product, tailored to meet the needs of ocean and intermodal carriers (IMCs), allows imported shipping containers to be reused for U.S. shipments headed to the West Coast, before they are sent back overseas. The solution facilitates access to a full network of empty containers anytime, anywhere, allowing for the more efficient transport of goods, lowering costs for shippers and offering more economical logistics within the supply chain.

"Our RELOAD program is an innovative, strategic way for our ocean carriers to market their capacity," said Group Vice President of Consumer Products Jon Gabriel. "This new option is a win/win for everyone. It provides more optionality for our customers and American producers, maximizes equipment balance and is more cost-effective, while expanding capacity solutions for products best suited for a 20' or 40' container and is better for the environment."

"The BNSF RELOAD program has streamlined how we secure box supply, manage billing, and track containers," said Mason George, president of national accounts for IMC Logistics. "This efficiency allows us to better guarantee availability for our customers while strengthening confidence in our domestic repositioning program. Additionally, the dashboard developed by BNSF is highly user-friendly-quick, intuitive, and easy to navigate."

BNSF RELOAD is similar to BNSF's Matchback program, which focuses on matching empty import containers with export commodities, like grain and other agricultural products.

Learn more about BNSF RELOAD here.

Contact:
Kendall Kirkham Sloan
Director, External Communications
[email protected]