CODE OVERVIEW
"In honoring our 175+ year legacy and building a better future, we continuously strive to do the right thing – safely, efficiently, and transparently."
Katie Farmer,
CEO
Living Our Vision & Values
Why It's Important
BNSF Railway's culture of integrity is manifested in our Code of Conduct, which focuses on ethical behavior, integrity, and legal compliance. As leaders and representatives of BNSF, we are accountable for our actions and are responsible for promoting honest and ethical conduct.
The Code of Conduct is a valuable resource that can help us identify problems before they arise and can provide support when we aren't sure what to do in a specific business situation.
Establishing Guiderails: A Decision-Making Framework
For any action you're considering, ask yourself the following questions:
- • Does it comply with the law and applicable regulations?
- • Does it align with BNSF's Corporate Policies, Vision & Values and Code of Conduct?
- • Does it uphold our expectations to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest?
- • Would you be comfortable explaining this action to your supervisor or another BNSF leader?
NO: STOP!
If you answered NO to any of the questions, don't proceed. The action could present serious consequences for you and the company.
NOT SURE: ASK!
If you are unsure about the answer to any of the questions, don't proceed and seek guidance from your supervisor and/or the BNSF Compliance Team.
YES: GO!
If you comfortably answered YES to every question, it would seem reasonable for you to proceed.
Integral to Our Vision & Values
The Code of Conduct plays a critical role in our ongoing ethics and compliance efforts and is an integral part of our Vision & Values. Together, our Code of Conduct, Vision & Values, and Leadership Model call on employees to act professionally at work, with integrity and honesty, while always showing respect for others.
BNSF Vision
Our vision is to realize the tremendous potential of BNSF by providing transportation services that consistently meet our customers' expectations.
BNSF Values
To live the vision, BNSF's employees embrace a set of shared values:
- Listening to customers and doing what it takes to meet their expectations
- Empowering one another, showing concern for our colleagues' well-being and respect for their talents and achievements
- Continuously improving by striving to do the right thing safely and efficiently
- Celebrating our rich heritage and building on our success as we shape our promising future
Relation to Berkshire Hathaway
BNSF Railway Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.; therefore, BNSF employees must also comply with the Berkshire Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. BNSF has aligned our Code of Conduct with Berkshire Hathaway's so that when you comply with the BNSF Code of Conduct, you also comply with the Berkshire Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
Policies Provide the Full Picture
This Code of Conduct offers broad guidelines. For details on areas covered by the Code, consult our BNSF Policies and Corporate Rules. The most current version of each Policy and Corporate Rule is on the Compliance and Audit internal site of MyBNSF employee portal.
