Coal Network Update for Friday, May 22, 2026

Operational Performance
The network is operating with steady overall performance. Car velocity declined modestly compared to the prior week. Terminal dwell improved slightly week over week. Our local service compliance measure is performing above 89% and is consistent with the prior week. While this week's service metrics were relatively consistent week over week, they continue to reflect some softness compared to the prior month. Our operations teams remain focused on strengthening consistency and driving improvement across the network.

Last Thursday, operating teams responded to a bridge fire on the Plainview Subdivision, part of our Red River Division, in the Texas Panhandle north of Lubbock, Texas. The incident was associated with the Hunggate fire, a fast-moving wildfire driven by strong winds and lightning from passing storms. While fire personnel contained the blaze, the bridge and track sustained significant damage, resulting in the mainline being taken out of service.


Plainview Subdivision bridge fire - Texas Panhandle - May 2026

BNSF engineering teams and equipment mobilized quickly, with crews working diligently to complete demolition and reconstruction of the structure. Throughout the outage, reroutes were implemented to manage traffic flows across the region. Restoration efforts progressed over the course of the week, and the line was returned to service yesterday.

Reconstruction of the Plainview Subdivision bridge - Texas Panhandle - May 2026

Coal Memorial Day Operating Plan
Coal trains - both loaded and empty - will continue to operate according to regular schedules. Please click here for more information on the Coal Memorial Day Operating Plan.

Service Expectations for the Week Ahead
An active weather pattern is expected across the central and southern portions of the network heading into the Memorial Day weekend. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are forecast across the Plains into the Gulf Coast and Mississippi Valley, with the potential for locally heavy rainfall and hail that could result in areas of localized flooding. BNSF teams are monitoring conditions closely and are positioned to respond as needed to support safe and consistent operations.

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.