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BNSF Expands Intermodal Network

18 October 2006

Two new agreements this week will give Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway expanded intermodal capacity and a more efficientmeans of handling intermodal chassis.

A new logistics park near Kansas City, Mo., and a domestic chassis pool agreement for all BNSF domestic terminals are expected to streamline transportation’s fastest growing sector.

The Allen Group, a major developer of logistics parks and office properties throughout the United States, and BNSF Railway will develop a new logistics park near Gardner, Kansas, 25 miles southwest of Kansas City, Mo. The 1,000 acre logistics park will be adjacent to I-35 and BNSF’s Transcontinental mainline. Approximately 350 acres will be designated for a new BNSF Intermodal Facility with the remaining acreage dedicated for warehouse and distribution facilities by The Allen Group. The site is expected to be operational by 2008.

“As a result of the increase of trade with the Pacific Rim nations, rail movement and intermodal development has become a vital component in the international supply chain,” said Edward Romanov, President and COO of The Allen Group.

Interpool signed a ten-year agreement to manage domestic chassis pools and supply future chassis at all BNSF terminals handling domestic shipping containers. Under the agreement, Interpool will supply approximately 24,000 48′ and 53′ chassis that it owns or operates to BNSF customers, including truckload motor carriers and intermodal marketing companies. Lease agreements will be directly with customers. Interpool will manage the supply, flow and maintenance of domestic chassis in the BNSF pool system.

“We are pleased to be given this opportunity by BNSF which we feel will improve the speed and efficiency of domestic containerized cargo transport and help lower costs to our shippers, consignees, and the U.S. consumer,” said Martin Tuchman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Interpool.