Union Pacific

UP said its order with Progress Rail and Wabtec represents “the largest investment in battery-electric technology by a U.S. Class I railroad.” (Photo Courtesy of UP)

UP Acquiring 20 Battery-Electrics for Yard Service

Union Pacific on Jan. 28 reported ordering 10 battery-electric locomotives apiece from Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, and Wabtec Corp. for yard testing; the “green” units plus yard infrastructure upgrades will exceed $100 million and support the Class I railroad’s efforts to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

“The Union Pacific team concluded its most profitable year ever in 2021,” UP Chairman, President and CEO Lance Fritz said during a Jan. 20 earnings announcement. “We produced double-digit fourth-quarter revenue growth by leveraging our great rail franchise to generate positive business mix and core pricing gains, despite ongoing global supply chain challenges that impacted volumes.”

UP’s Fritz: 2021 ‘Most Profitable Year Ever’ (UPDATED)

Union Pacific (UP) on Jan. 20 reported fourth-quarter 2021 results, including operating revenue of $5.733 billion, up 12% from the same period in 2020 and 10% from 2019. This was driven by “higher fuel surcharge revenue, a positive business mix, and core pricing gains,” which were partially offset by a 4% decrease in business volumes, as measured by total revenue carloads. The Class I railroad also posted results for full-year 2021, which Chairman, President and CEO Lance Fritz called the “most profitable year ever.”

Union Pacific will be Schneider’s primary intermodal rail provider in the western U.S., starting in January 2023.

UP Lands Schneider Business

Schneider has signed a long-term agreement with Union Pacific (UP) to be its primary intermodal rail provider in the western U.S., effective January 2023, the companies reported on Jan. 19.

Recent cargo thefts from UP trains have left the railroad’s property littered with debris.

For UP, Cargo Thefts Spike in L.A. County

Following a recent spike in cargo thefts from its trains in Los Angeles County, Union Pacific (UP) has not only increased the number of special agents assigned to protect targeted areas, but also contacted L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón for support.

UP-Served Savage Gulf Rail Facility Opens

A grand opening was held earlier this month for the Savage Gulf Rail Facility, which supports the plastics manufacturing joint venture of ExxonMobil and SABIC in San Patricio County, Tex.