BNSF and Swift form intermodal alliance

Effective immediately, the two companies will provide seamless service for temperature-controlled commodities moving between the West Coast, the Midwest and the Southeastern United States. Fort Worth-based BNSF will provide boxcar transportation services for long-haul moves, while Swift will provide over-the-road transportation for short-haul moves. Both companies will coordinate any transload and cross-dock moves that may be necessary.

"We hope to make the transportation process seamless by providing one point of contact to make bi-modal shipping easier and more economical," said Chuck Schultz, BNSF’s executive vp & chief marketing officer. "As a result of the opportunity in this market segment, we will be evaluating possibilities for expanding our service offerings."

"We see a significant opportunity in this market segment. By working together, we can create service packages which will build on the strengths of both truck and rail transportation," said Jerry Moyes, chairman & CEO of Phoenix-based Swift.