Winter weather disrupts Western rail service, logistics networks

Union Pacific began shutting all intermodal gates Tuesday morning as a result of weekend winter weather that impacted railroad crews in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin and Washington, it said in a service alert Monday. Adverse weather conditions are expected to continue this week.

BNSF also notified customers of potential operational impacts to its network due to the weather and said "extended delays" should be expected for shipments moving through Texas and parts of the Gulf Coast.

Union Pacific told customers to expect a delay of at least 72 hours for shipments moving through the affected region until conditions improve.

The disruptions to rail service come to a supply chain slowed to a crawl in some areas as a result of port congestion stemming from record levels of imports. 

Along with railroads, logistics companies are also warning customers of potential disruptions.

The winter storm dropped 4 inches of snow at the Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, which is the most snow the region has seen since 2010, according to The Weather Channel. It has left millions without power, including 4.3 million in Texas, according to poweroutage.us.

Union Pacific said intermodal gate closures would start at 8 a.m. in the time zone where the terminal is located. It said it would continue to accept shipments originating or terminating at on-dock terminals at either Los Angeles or Long Beach.

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Source: Supply Chain Dive

Due to the severe winter weather, BDP Houston's and BDP Dallas's warehouse locations will be closed on Wednesday, February 17. Office locations will continue to operate under BCP currently in place due to COVID-19, with employees working remotely.

Additionally, all Port Houston facilities will be closed on Wednesday, February 17. We will continue to share updates as they become available. In the meantime, should you have any questions or concerns please reach out to your local BDP representative.