Burlington Northern, officially known as Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), is one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America. It was formed in 1996 through the merger of Burlington Northern Railroad and Santa Fe Pacific Corporation. BNSF operates over 32,000 miles of track across 28 states, providing essential transportation services for various goods, including coal, agricultural products, and consumer goods. The company is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, which is led by investor Warren Buffett. BNSF plays a crucial role in the U.S. economy by facilitating trade and transportation, connecting producers and consumers across vast distances.