December 10, 2024 - TRA Newswire - 

In the season just ended, BNSF Railway announced record agricultural volumes, which includes grain harvest, for the month of October, with a 7 percent increase in volume and velocity from 2023.  BNSF handles more agricultural product shipments than any other U.S. railroad.

“We at BNSF are proud to support the American farmer and our country’s supply chain during peak harvest, said Group Vice President of Agricultural and Energy Products Angela Caddell. “We carefully plan for harvest, every year, and thank our agricultural producers for trusting us to deploy all our assets to the best of our ability, so we can provide reliable service during this important time of year.”

“Our team of talented, dedicated railroaders have remained laser-focused on doing our part to ensure the U.S. agricultural community has an efficient and effective supply chain,” said Vice President of Transportation – North Region Craig Morehouse. “Our goal remains the same; for every train to reach its destination safely and on time. Thanks to our entire BNSF team for their coordinated efforts this successful harvest season.”

Behind the scenes, working directly with the growers of America's crops, are four ombudsmen that form a link between the farmers and BNSF.  BNSF is the first and only railroad to establish an ombudsman program. 

According to Mignon Lambley, a member of the four-person ombudsman team alongside Mike McKay, Matt Jensen, Roger Hsieh, being an ombudsman takes an understanding of the agriculture industry and the ability to connect with each aspect of the industry. The ombudsman acts as a liaison between BNSF and customers and shippers. They actively engage with the shippers and the receivers of agricultural products, support the railroad's customers to make sure that BNSF is providing the service they expect, and navigate market supply and rates. 

Lambley has the advantage of perspective. From the farm to the elevator to the transport and sale of agricultural products, she has been a part of the American agricultural experience since childhood.  

“Being an ombudsman is all about fixing problems and doing it for the customers,” Lambley said. “I’m customer-oriented and tend to play devil’s advocate on behalf of our customers. If the customer is happy, they trust us with their freight and are likely to continue the relationship.”