Upcoming BNSF Shuttle, Direct DET and DET Program Changes

Date
Apr 17, 2025

BNSF will make the following updates to our BNSF Ag Car Programs rules. These changes will impact the shuttle and DET programs which will be detailed in BNSF 4022 – 13000 in the coming weeks.

Changes to the Origin and Destination Efficiency (OEP and DEP) Rules Effective September 1, 2025:

  • Loading Incentives (OEP): The OEP tiers for 10-hour and 15-hour loading incentives will be eliminated. Instead, a single tier 15-hour $125/car loading incentive will be introduced.
  • Grace time: BNSF will allow for up to 4 hours of grace time to reduce any issues from reporting.
  • Spot time exceptions: BNSF grain desk will no longer grant proactive spot time exceptions. No changes to spot times will be made for reasons other than an error in the reported actual placement time greater than 4 hours.
  • Dispute Timeframe (OEP and DEP): Errors will continue to be resolved through the current eCash dispute process. The timeframe for disputes related to OEP will be 90 days after loading a shuttle set, and disputes related to DEP will be 90 days after unloading of a shuttle set.

Changes to Cancellation Charges Effective for All New Shuttles, DETs, Yearlong (YL) DETs and Direct DETs Sold:

  • Increased Cancellation Charge for Shuttles, DETs, YL DETs and Direct DETs:
    • Shuttles and Direct DETs: the cancellation charge will increase from $200 to $400 per car/per period.
    • DETs and Yearlong DETs: the cancellation charge will increase from $200 to $400 per car.
  • Cancellation Notification Adjustment: The notification period for cancellation based on shuttle velocity short-fall and time allotted against 5 loaded waybills will change from 90 days to 60 days.
  • Cancellation Policy: Cancelling a Direct DET 45 days or more before the start of the period will no longer be free of charge.

Changes to the DET and YL DET program effective immediately:

  • Eligible Destinations: Regular DETs and YL DETs will be eligible to ship to shuttle qualified domestic wheat mills as a single destination unit train. DETs fully loaded with oats may request an exemption from the 2-block requirement prior to ordering equipment. Exemptions may be requested from the grain desk in advance of ordering equipment.
  • Ineligible Destinations: DET rates to export elevators will be expired and excluded from the program going forward.

If you have any questions regarding the enhancements, please contact your BNSF marketing representative.

Your business is important to us. BNSF remains focused on meeting the needs of our customers while ensuring we continue to operate as safely and efficiently as possible.

Thank you for choosing BNSF Railway as your transportation service provider.