J.B. Hunt and BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) has announced the launch of a joint effort to improve capacity in the intermodal marketplace while also meeting the expanding needs of current customers.
Demand for intermodal services has grown significantly in recent years as companies look to secure capacity, while reducing costs and their carbon footprint. Based on current and projected trends, J.B. Hunt plans to grow its intermodal fleet to as many as 150,000 containers in the next three to five years, a 40.0% increase from its count at the end of 2021. The company has completed more than 4m intermodal loads since 2020.
President and CEO of J.B. Hunt John Roberts commented: “Over the past few years, intermodal has been disrupted by increased demand and tight capacity, resulting in poor container velocity and long dwell times. Together, J.B. Hunt and BNSF will enhance their work to bring back the consistency and reliability customers expect with intermodal services and further embrace intermodal conversion and transloading services. This priority falls directly in line with J.B. Hunt’s mission statement to create the most efficient transportation network in North America.”
Looking forward and as part of the initiative, BNSF will increase capability at multiple intermodal facilities. To further integrate its joint service product with J.B. Hunt, BNSF is providing several property locations around key intermodal hubs in Southern California, Chicago, and other key markets to increase efficiency at terminals. Additionally, BNSF will bolster its railcar equipment to accommodate the anticipated increase in container capacity.
In addition to growing its container count, J.B. Hunt will add supporting chassis based on market need. Over the years, both companies have invested heavily in the hope of ensuring intermodal’s ability to grow with customers and meet the increasing demand for intermodal services.
BNSF president and CEO Katie Farmer commented: “We will raise the bar on service to the next level through technology and innovation as we further integrate our platforms with real-time data exchanges. We want our customers to enjoy the best of both worlds: economical and environmentally friendly service delivered by transportation’s premium providers.”
The companies will look to leverage technology, including J.B. Hunt 360°, in the hope of improving efficiencies in rail transport. Based on an analysis of J.B. Hunt 360° transactions and annual bid activity, the company estimates that an additional 7-11m shipments could be converted to intermodal, supporting long-term growth opportunities while avoiding carbon emissions.
Source: J.B Hunt
