BNSF, UP to Create More Coordinated Dispatch Operations

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Union Pacific Railroad and Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co. will coordinate their dispatch operations covering Southern California, Kansas City and the Powder River Basin in Wyoming.

The two railroads already share a dispatching arrangement in Spring, Texas, covering the Houston and Gulf Coast areas. By joining other dispatching operations, the two railroads hope to improve service in three of the country's busiest rail centers.

UP and BNSF said other railroads operating in the areas will be asked if they also want to join the joint dispatch operations.

The San Bernardino, Calif., center will be launched in May, while the Kansas City center will start up during the third quarter of the year. Additional personnel are expected to be added for the coal-rich Powder River Basin area within the next couple of weeks.