FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 01, 2012 – The Columbus & Greenville Railway (CAGY), was recently named Shortline of the Year at BNSF Railway’s annual Shortline Conference held last month in Irving, Texas.
“CAGY’s collaborative spirit, dedicated customer service, and its committed partnership with BNSF, are keys in being chosen for this award,” said Dean Wise, BNSF vice president, Network Strategy, in a press release.
“This year marks the 16th year of the BNSF Shortline Conference and the eighth year the company has been recognizing those Shortlines who exceed expectations through their innovation, determination, vision and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Wise. “CAGY exemplifies that mission and should be commended for their commitment to this industry.”
CAGY, which is owned and operated by Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) and headquartered in Greenwich, Conn., currently operates 163 miles of track between Columbus and Greenville, Miss. They serve a diverse customer base, including chemical, lumber, steel and military shippers. Over the past two years, CAGY has more than doubled the carloads handled with BNSF. CAGY recently partnered with BNSF and the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway to construct and finance a new crossover north of its yard in Columbus. This crossover will improve traffic flows, reduce congestion and facilitate handling increased volumes. In addition to the crossover, CAGY also funded the expansion of its yard tracks to increase carload capacity at Columbus. CAGY has reacted quickly to new business opportunities by investing their own capital and establishing a market presence.
BNSF also presented Achievement Awards to Burlington Junction Railway (BJRY) and Riverport Railroad, LLC.
Burlington Junction, based in Burlington, Iowa, was recognized for their assistance in creating a staging location between the Gulf Coast and the Bakken Shale for empty crude oil trains. Faced with an urgent situation involving the need to stage a 105-car empty crude oil train, BNSF reached out to Burlington Junction on a Thursday evening. Less than 12 hours later, BNSF and Burlington Junction had reached a written agreement for interchanging and storing these trains. Burlington Junction’s efforts clearly demonstrate their commitment to finding ways to work better and smarter. This is Burlington Junction’s third award from BNSF in the past six years.
Riverport Railroad, based in Savanna, Ill., was recognized for their innovation in serving the energy industry’s demand for crude oil from the Bakken fields of the Williston Basin. Riverport Railroad made their facilities and services available to stage small shipments of tank cars and consolidate them into unit trains so they could be moved to market quickly and efficiently.
About BNSF:
BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,000 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain, industrial goods and low-sulfur coal that help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. And we are working continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com .
