Possible IPI Delay Due to BNSF Ramp Congestion

To: All our valued Customers

A rapid increase in domestic and expedited intermodal volumes out of Southern California, along with challenges restoring labor availability to pre-COVID-19 levels, is resulting in severe ramp congestion at BNSF’s Los Angeles, and Commerce, CA facilities. The congestion is delaying inbound loads and empties, as well as outbound loads. BNSF is repositioning ramp personnel, onboarding new ramp employees, and adding third party dray support as quickly as possible. To expedite the recovery, BNSF is implementing ingate restrictions for Los Angeles outbound shipments, beginning Wednesday, July 22. An ingate restriction simply means that the railroad will limit the amount of traffic allowed to ingate. BNSF’s current restrictions impact eastbound COFC standard shipments out of Los Angeles and San Bernardino. These restrictions, coupled with the delayed flows of empty equipment into Southern California, will significantly reduce rail carriers ability to pick up Southern California outbound shipments on Wednesday, July 22 through Saturday, July 25. Although restrictions have not been announced beyond July 25, the current challenges are likely to persist through at least August 1. Imperial CFS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should there be any questions or concerns.