BNSF Logistics

Breakout Session
Rail 101
Rail 101
RAIL 101
The Basics of Shipping Dimensional Loads
& Information To Help You Better
Understand The Process
Justin H. Gilmet
BNSF Logistics International
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Confidential Property of BNSF Logistics
Rail 101
Definition of a Dimensional Load
As defined by most railroads,
anything that is outside Plate “C” is a
dimensional load – Plate “C” is
defined as over 10’ 8” wide 15’ 6”
ATR or weighing over 200,000
pounds
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Confidential Property of BNSF Logistics
Rail 101
Things First:
Quoting a Dimensional Load
• Locate the origin/destination/railroad
• Obtain a drawing (to scale) to measure
dimensions for accurate clearance
– Example #1
• Provide a request for rail clearance on-line
to the origin class 1 railroad
• After rail clearance:
• Request rate from railroad or throughrate if interlining; may need to obtain a
Rule 11 Rate
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Confidential Property of BNSF Logistics
Rail 101
First Things First:
Quoting a Dimensional Load
• Contact rigging company at place of origin and
request price for securing rail car:
• Familiarize rigging company with AAR Open
Top Loading Rules and Regulations
• Contact railcar owner and request price for type of
railcar for which the clearance was based
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Confidential Property of BNSF Logistics
Rail 101
Transporting a Dimensional Load
• Should have rail clearance
• Request type of railcar for shipment based
on rail clearance from origin railroad
• After receiving railcar number:
• Trace car no less than 2x weekly
• Take responsibility to keep car moving
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Confidential Property of BNSF Logistics
Rail 101
Transporting a
Dimensional Load (Cont’d)
• After car arrives:
• Inspect for necessary cleaning
• Make sure you load the center of gravity on
the center line of railcar
• Rigging crew secures dimensional piece to
railcar
• Contact Mechanical Department of original
railroad for inspection and proper measuring
• Provide bill of lading with routing provided by
rail clearance
• Trace railcar on all railroads used for
transport
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Confidential Property of BNSF Logistics
Rail 101
Important Key Factors • Who is responsible for railcar if it is
not there for loading?
• Who pays for detention?
Origin/Destination
• Who pays for railcar cleaning?
• What if dimensions differ from
original clearance?
• Center of gravity vs. center line (See
example #1)
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Confidential Property of BNSF Logistics
Rail 101
Important Key Factors-• How does railroad determine actual
shipping dimensions? (Example #1)
• Releasing an unloaded railcar:
• Has railcar been cleaned?
• Who is responsible?
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Confidential Property of BNSF Logistics
Rail 101
Railroad Responsibility
• Liability is $25,000.00 Maximum with
the railroad
• In the event of damage, contact the
servicing railroad immediately
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Confidential Property of BNSF Logistics
Rail 101
Example # 1
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Confidential Property of BNSF Logistics
Rail 101
Dimensions – Example # 2
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Confidential Property of BNSF Logistics
Rail 101
Thank you!
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Confidential Property of BNSF Logistics