BNSF Railway (BNSF) will invest 3.6 billion dollars (USD) by 2026 , resources that will serve to strengthen and modernize its network, and meet the anticipated needs of its customers.

“We prioritize investing with the future in mind, improving efficiency, increasing capacity and ensuring that our railway is always ready to support growth while delivering the reliable and resilient service our customers rely on,” said Katie Farmer, president and chief executive of the railway.

According to the company, $2.8 billion will be allocated to maintenance to ensure the network remains in optimal condition, resulting in fewer unscheduled service interruptions that can slow down and reduce capacity.

In addition, the project will include the replacement and upgrading of rails , track infrastructure such as ballast and sleepers, and rolling stock maintenance. The work will consist of approximately 13,000 miles of track leveling and cutting, as well as the replacement of 2.5 million sleepers and over 400 miles of rail.

Similarly, $358 million will be allocated to expansion and efficiency projects , adding to the $2.6 billion invested in the last five years.

The firm explained that this year’s expansion plans support customer growth, so it will invest in facilities and lines that increase network capacity and efficiency.

In this regard, the acquisition of properties and activities for the planned Barstow International Gateway project in California will be finalized, as well as the continued development and commencement of construction for a future intermodal facility in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Major line expansion projects include track extensions at the Galesburg, Illinois, and Winslow, Arizona yards to increase shunting capacity, supporting network service performance and asset productivity initiatives (railcars and locomotives).

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BNSF Railway reiterated that the merger between Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) presents serious risks to competition, service and the supply chain .

According to Tom G. Williams, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of BNSF Railway, he noted the above after reviewing the merger application that the companies submitted to the United States Land Transportation Board (STB) on December 19, 2025.

In a letter sent to its customers, it mentioned that the growth promises presented by the companies are unrealistic , since the combined volumes of UP and NS alone have decreased by 13% in the last decade.

However, the first one promises 12% growth in just three years, almost entirely thanks to the conversion of truck carriers to rail carriers.

“STB statistics show that UP already earns more revenue from higher fares than any other Class I railroad. When this growth in truck conversion doesn’t materialize, you’ll pay for their merger premiums with higher fares. The protections proposed by UP are a Trojan horse designed to get their application approved,” he emphasized.

Regarding the Gateway Tariff Commitment proposed by UP, he considered that it excludes almost all shippers . Only 0.4% of all rail freight transport would be eligible. Furthermore, it expires in a few years, “leaving you vulnerable to monopoly pricing.”

Williams also indicated that integration risks exist due to UP and NS’s “trust us” approach, which does not offer fundamental safeguards against serious supply chain disruptions on a much larger scale.

“The last time UP led a merger integration in 2008, the STB had to extend its oversight period twice due to the congestion problems it caused in Chicago,” he recalled.

He noted that the UP-NS merger request cites more than two thousand letters of support , including some 500 from shippers, representing less than 6% of all traffic on the U.S. rail network.

In contrast, the Rail Customers Coalition—which represents carriers of more than half of all rail freight volume—has stated that the merger would create near-monopoly power , increasing costs for manufacturers, farmers, energy producers, and ultimately, consumers. Similarly, the Teamsters Rail Conference and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen , which together represent more than half of all rail workers, warn that the merger would reduce competitiveness and increase safety risks.

“These numbers matter. The voices opposing the merger represent the vast majority of customers and rail workers who interact with UP and NS on a daily basis. As more stakeholders review the application, opposition is growing. The application is so lacking in substance that several key players have already asked the STB to reject it as incomplete. When the STB finally accepts the application as complete, it will publish a timetable that will include a short comment period. This will be your opportunity to raise your voice and protect your interests,” he stated.

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BNSF Railway has launched its new expedited rail service from Los Angeles to Houston, offering faster, more consistent, and more reliable transportation solutions compared to road options.

“Our expedited service is a strategic development that not only expands BNSF’s market reach but also connects two major metropolitan areas more effectively. By continuing to create more opportunities to convert over-the-road (OTR) freight to rail, we offer a direct and cost-effective solution for delivering freight to the dynamic and growing Houston area,” said Jon Gabriel, vice president of BNSF Railway’s Consumer Products Group.

The new offering spans from BNSF’s Hobart intermodal facility in Los Angeles, California, to Pearland in the Houston metropolitan area, Texas, and is designed to meet the demands of shipments requiring increased speed and reliability.

Jon Gabriel said the option provides a competitive advantage for shippers looking to optimize supply chains, especially those currently transporting freight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Houston .

“With expanded capacity and improved transit times from Southern California via BNSF’s busy Southern Transcon route, this new service provides more capacity and consistency for both current and potential customers,” he emphasized.

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