Union Pacific has unveiled a strategic move to bolster its freight services, introducing a direct rail route connecting Southern California to metropolitan Chicago.
The newly launched service facilitates transportation between Union Pacific’s Lance Fritz Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal in Fontana, California, and its facility in Northlake, Illinois. This addition complements the existing service linking the same California terminal to Union Pacific’s yard in Joliet, Illinois.
With transit times ranging between four to six days for eastbound and westbound shipments, Union Pacific’s latest endeavour seemingly aims to capitalise on market opportunities amidst a challenging freight landscape.
Beth Whited, president of Union Pacific, has underscored the significance of shifting freight to intermodal as a key priority for the company.
Moreover, the company has further expanded its footprint by offering on-dock service at Port Houston, facilitating the transfer of intermodal containers from ships to railcars. Additionally, through partnerships with Canadian National and Grupo México Transportes, Union Pacific has established Falcon Premium, enabling cross-border freight movement between Canada, Mexico and the US via Chicago.
Kari Kirchhoefer, senior vice president-premium at Union Pacific, emphasised the significance of the company’s expansion. He stated: “Connecting Chicago to the Inland Empire is another example of Union Pacific expanding its services to more markets to meet our customers’ needs and to help capture over-the-road shipments, easing congestion on our nation’s highways.”
