Suppliers

Acquiring Vital Resources

BNSF purchases material and service items from an extensive list of sources. We seek to acquire quality goods and services at the lowest total cost of ownership by working resourcefully, efficiently, effectively and ethically with both current and prospective suppliers. Our procurement process is organized around four key phases:

  • Planning - understand what it takes to do business with BNSF
  • Sourcing - access tools and processes needed to pursue a business relationship with BNSF
  • Managing - arrange and handle transactions
  • Paying - invoice and receive payment for these transactions

Please take the time to understand how this four-step method works and what is needed to create successful supplier relationships. Doing so may open new or additional opportunities for you and your company.

Interested in Becoming a BNSF Supplier?

To be considered as a potential suppler, click the Supplier Pre-Assessment Request Form Instructions document and follow the instructions to submit or revise a request for your company. The completed form will be reviewed and saved to identify potential suppliers for current and future business needs.

What’s Next?

A purchasing officer will contact you directly to request additional information if needed or if there is an opportunity. You may return to the form to submit updates to your profile.

Submitting a request does not imply a contractual agreement is in place or an obligation for procurement. BNSF will contact you when an opportunity is available.

A Message from BNSF CEO Katie Farmer

"Suppliers make important and highly valued contributions to BNSF railroad operations. You help to ensure the safety, reliability and efficiency of our network, and that is crucial to the service we provide to our customers. We expect all of our suppliers to consistently deliver high quality products and services and demonstrate integrity and commitment to the highest legal and ethical standards."

- Katie Farmer, BNSF President and Chief Executive Officer