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(The Associated Press circulated the following on July 27.)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — BNSF Railway is spending more than $100 million to upgrade its freight center as the energy crisis spurs demand for rail service.

BNSF will load and unload trains 7,500 feet long at the 185-acre center, using five nine-story cranes prominently.

The facility provides the opportunity to move freight from the West coast into the Southeast, within a 250-mile radius of Memphis.

Because of the high cost of diesel fuel, shippers of all stripes are looking to convert, which bodes well for Memphis, home to five Class I railroads.