Rail-freight demand is subdued but stable as economic uncertainty and shifting global trade patterns cloud near-term volume expectations. In this Talking Transports podcast, BNSF Chief Marketing Officer Tom Williams joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow to discuss the railroad’s demand outlook. Williams highlights the railroad’s improving service, noting that consistent transit times are key to converting more truckload freight to rail. He also outlines how investments in technology, infrastructure and network efficiency have reduced dwell times and improved velocity across the system. The conversation covers trade volatility, tariff impacts on import flows, the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger and why he’s still celebrating his beloved Indiana Hoosiers’ national championship in college football.