BNSF to become first U.S. railroad with presence in China

BNSF to become first U.S. railroad with presence in China    BNSF Railway Co. will become the first U.S. railroad to have an office in China when it opens a representative office in Shanghai in the second quarter.
   “As the United States’ trade with Asia continues to grow, it becomes more and more important for BNSF to collaborate with our customers in countries such as China to ensure the fluidity of U.S.-Asia trade,” said Steve Branscum, BNSF’s group vice president, consumer products. “The new China office will allow us to expand our presence in Asia, strengthen existing partnerships with key stakeholders in international trade and explore growth opportunities in other Asian countries.”
   BNSF said its international intermodal business, most of which originates in China, has grown at a compound annual growth rate of more than 13 percent since 2000.
   “China is a key driver in BNSF’s international intermodal business and we continue to expand our network and services to accommodate their growth,” Branscum said.
   BNSF has had a presence in Asia since the early 1970s when it and its predecessor railroads first opened offices in Japan.