Has anyone heard of any rumors of a possible merge between bnsf and someone else? I ask because there is talk among shareholders on internet forums about a suprise merger coming this summer. Anyone have any ideas?
Ahh, I found this after posting my first thread. does anyone know of a current status on this. http://www.caltradereport.com/eWebPages/page-two-1134016096.html
Well, I don't think the new logo, dropping the spelled out railroad name, and changing the "dark" color from green to BLACK was a coincidence. BNSF Of course, I'm just speculating. :secret:
I've heard rumors on and off. BNSF+CN. BNSF+KCS. BNSF+NS. None of which will be good for anyone other than stockholders. Another monstrosity will be created. With the usual abandonments, loss of RR jobs, major service interruptions/customers harmed, and more trucks on our roads. :thumbs_down: Boxcab E50
BNSF and CN is a very real possibility. CN and ATSF worked close with each other in many ways near the end of the Santa Fe, as evident in the GP60M, and even after with the BNSF.
CSX+UP=Very Old Rumor This "merger" rumor has been kicking around for at least 15 years that I know of. The major source of this appears to be the large amount of run-through power between these two roads. I can speak only for the New Orleans area, but it makes sense to not change power on either side of the Mississippi River at Avondale or Gentilly yards when both roads use the same or similar types of locomotives. This is especially true for double-stacks running continuously between Los Angeles and Jacksonville, but also for long-haul mixed freight between the Southwest and the Southeast. I'm sure you guys living along other UP/CSX corridors also see large amounts of run-through power.
I see a fair amount of NS run through power on the UP in Southeast Texas. But strangely, no NS run through on the BNSF trains in the same area. Don't know what it means or doesn't mean but I thought I'd pass it on.
We see NS & CSX power on both BNSF & UP where both transcons cross right here in New Mexico. The majority of trains anymore seem to have run-thru or leased power on them. A "pure" set of home road power is harder and harder to find. Five weeks back, before the WA show, we went to Grants NM to try out the new tranny for the truck and saw at least 3 BNSF trains with CN power in a matter of less than 4 hours.
Additionally CN's intermodal philosophy is being mimicked by BNSF it seems. Schedule schedule schedule at the cost of operational flexibility and customer service. I have heard that they are the most likely candidates to start the next round of mergers, and operationally they seem to be moving in the same direction. Once you're operating the same it won't be too difficult to join up.
The Great American RR Company (BNSF and CN) has been on the table before. It was pulled off the table before the regulators could kill it (in the wake of the UP/SP merger). Rumors of BNSF and (take your pick) CN, NS, KCS, DM&E, ect., ect., ect. Adam
Am afraid we'll end it, when the taxpayers have to pick up the bill for hundreds of billions of dollars. To scrape back together a barely functional (US) national rail freight system..... :sad: Boxcab E50
The rumor with the most truth I have heard is the BNSF/KCS merger. KCS bought TFM and gave them a Mexico access. I have heard both BNSF and NS wanting to buy KCS. Remember Wal-Mart has been talking about building a port in Mexico to use rather than CA. Wal-Mart wants a shipper, that is why they are talking to BNSF and Maserk. By BNSF working with CN and buying KCS you have the NAFTA line. Hey the new black and orange dark pumpkin is already a year old, must be time for a new paint scheme:embarassed:
Consider that the current bigwig of the CN, E. Hunter Harrison, used to be a high ranking official of the BN back in the day. Maybe he misses what the Big Nothing has now become.
If I were a betting man, wait I am. Anyway, I'd say it is time that you start taking pics of KCS B4 it is long gone. Sure they carry large debt to scare off a possible buyout from a major class one. But with shares of most railroads at near all time highs, the time is right and BNSF has the cash. Boxcab said the only one it benefits is the shareholders, and that is exactly why it will happen. Unfortunatly for railfans, thats rule number one. Thankfuly I though am both railfan and shareholder so Either way I'm happy. Brad
