J.B. Hunt Transport Services and BNSF Railway Company agreed to join their efforts to substantially improve the intermodal capacity for the market while also meeting the expanding needs of current customers.
“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,” John Roberts, the CEO of J.B. Hunt said.
As part of the initiative, BNSF will increase the capability at multiple intermodal facilities. To further integrate its joint service product with J.B. Hunt, the freight rail operator 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, which will support efficient throughput and strong service performance.
The 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 more than 40% increase from its count at the end of 2021. The company has completed more than 4 million intermodal loads since 2020.
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 billions of dollars to ensure intermodal’s ability to grow with customers and meet the increasing demand for intermodal services.
“BNSF’s industry-leading service combined with J.B. Hunt’s unparalleled intermodal product has set the standard for seamless door-to-door service. 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,” Katie Farmer, the CEO of BNSF said.
For an increased intermodal capacity, the companies will leverage technology, including the industry leading J.B. Hunt 360°, to improve efficiencies in rail transport. This digital freight matching platform is one of the few in the industry to support intermodal services. Based on analysis of J.B. Hunt 360 transactions and annual bid activity, the company estimates that an additional 7 to 11 million shipments could be converted to intermodal, supporting long-term growth opportunities while avoiding carbon emissions.
Currently, J.B. Hunt operates the largest company-owned intermodal fleet in North America with more than 109,000 53’ containers supported by company-owned chassis and tractors.
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