BNSF Railway in Arizona

I have always loved trains. Loved riding on them, loved watching them roll by. There is something reassuring , even haunting about a train whistling in the distance of the night.

I fondly remember taking rail trips between Arizona and Illinois as a child.

I stumbled upon the Friends of BNSF Railway's website today. The site is amazing! 

I was able to see old tourism brochures, maps, fact sheets, historic archives, view videos, download free swag and even request a free 2012 calendar.

Mostly, I was able to educate myself about BNSF Railway's contributions to our state.  BNSF is Arizona's largest rail provider. Through BNSF Arizona receives delivery of international and domestic consumer goods, industrial products , clean burning coal , lumber and auto's every day! 

Packaged goods, clothing, appliances, paper products, electronic and auto parts - so many consumer goods are delivered to Arizona via BNSF!  In this day and age, so laden in speedy technology, it is easy to forget steadfast faithfuls such as our railways.

BNSF's 30 strategic western inter modal facilities help to relieve congestion on our roadways, too.

BNSF has rail yard's in Phoenix, , Kingman, El Mirage , Winslow ,  Flagstaff and Glendale. Glendale is also home to a major hub center, the Glendale IBU.

Supporting BNSF’s rail network in Arizona are more than 1,100 dedicated 

men and women who earn a combined payroll of more than $88 million!

Until today, I was unaware of how many jobs BNSF provides directly to our state. Unaware how instrumental to our Arizona economy a railway company could be. BNSF Railway is providing nearly 700 jobs to our state & BNSF Railways contributes to several charities in Arizona.

BNSF has raised over $200,000 in various charitable contributions. They offer a Children's Special train event that helps to care for children with needs and military families.

Overall, I was surprised and impressed with the Friends of BNSF website and all this railway brings to our state.

Next time you hear the train rolling in over the tracks, the early morning whistle blowing sentimentally in the background, take a moment to remember our supply chain and how lucky we truly are to have access to these goods - today,  take a moment and remember BNSF Railway Company.

Check out the BNSF Railway Fact Sheet for Arizona!