What impacts to train cycle times should we build into our coal delivery plans for the remainder of 2005?
A starting point is the difference in average cycle times you have experienced before and after the occurrence of the Force Majeure event. The past six weeks reflect recovery from two derailments but the imposition of numerous slow orders and maintenance curfews. Now that BNSF has begun the extensive rehabilitation work, we still face maintenance curfews and slow orders each week through November. We expect that the curfews will be planned to minimize disruptions. However, train speeds on the Joint Line will be slower than normal and fewer trains will be able to load each day. The restricted capacity of the Joint Line and disrupted operations also slows and interrupts the flow of empties back to the SPRB.
