Case Study: North American Railroad Services Company achieves reduced laser obstruction with BNSF Logistics

North American Railroad Services Company - Customer Case Study

North American Railroad Services Company, a shortline railroad owner and operator, needed a customized railcar to securely house a specialized laser scanner used to measure clearances and ballast levels between the rails. Their original design blocked about 20% of the laser scan area, so they turned to BNSF Logistics for a specialized railcar design that would protect the scanner while meeting unrestricted interchange railroad requirements.

BNSF Logistics designed a wellcar-based scanner car, using finite element analysis (FEA) and a detailed review of AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices requirements to ensure structural compliance. By repositioning the laser slot closer to the trucks and incorporating protections for the laser containment housing, BNSF Logistics reduced laser obstruction by 0.4%, complied with AAR structural requirements, and maximized scanning capability for the customer.