The National Grain and Feed Association is monitoring the rail service problem that’s happening across the country. NGFA President Randy Gordon says his group has been speaking with Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail officials and hope to speak soon with Canadian Pacific rail leaders. He says BNSF is trying to catch up on rail cars and bring service up to speed.
Gordon says those products include everything from coal to Bakken crude oil, ag products, ethanol and propane. He says not only is BNSF and CP part of the problem but so are railroads in the East, the Norfolk Southern and CSX. He says many Northern Plains elevators have filled up due to the harvest and rail issues.
He says the rail problem is long term and there may need to be more involvement from the Surface Transportation Board.
Gordon says it’s important railroads catch up on needed rail cars before taking on any new business.