Customers realize major fuel efficiency and emissions reductions by shipping via rail instead of by truck, according to BNSF officials, who say their customers reduced emissions in 2010 by more than 21 million metric tons of CO2 - the equivalent of reducing the consumption and resultant emissions of more than 2 billion gallons of diesel fuel.

For the third year in a row, BNSF provided its intermodal, automotive, industrial products and agricultural products customers with customized letters that analyzed their total rail carbon footprint and savings compared to movements of those shipments via the highway.

Calculations are based on commodity type and weight, and distance traveled by rail. The calculation also considers the different fuel efficiencies of trailer, container or carload shipments. The calculation methodology was developed in consultation with Clear Carbon Consulting.

"Rail provides enormous value in reducing the country's overall transportation emissions and carbon footprint," said John Lanigan, BNSF executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "BNSF can move a ton of freight 500 miles on a single gallon of diesel fuel. That is at least three times more efficient than an all-truck option, which helps reduce our dependence on imported oil while also reducing traffic on our nation's crowded highways."

Source: BNSF Railway