Emergencies: 888-877-7267 Report Emergencies: 888-877-7267 UNP $0 0% Customers Customers Shipping With Us Shipping Overview We're prepared to ship just about anything: coal and chemicals, food and forest products, automobiles and agricultural products – safely and on time. We're prepared to ship just about anything: coal and chemicals, food and forest products, automobiles and agricultural products – safely and on time. How to Ship by Rail Union Pacific is the largest freight railroad in the United States, covering 23 states and approximately 7,300 communities. We provide solutions that connect businesses to each other and the global economy. Union Pacific is the largest freight railroad in the United States, covering 23 states and approximately 7,300 communities. We provide solutions that connect businesses to each other and the global economy. Connect to Rail Our team of regional experts provide guidance and rail project management for businesses wanting to build, expand or find a rail-served site on Union Pacific’s expansive network. Our team of regional experts provide guidance and rail project management for businesses wanting to build, expand or find a rail-served site on Union Pacific’s expansive network. Price My Shipment We offer solutions that fit your needs. Find out how much it costs to ship your product. We offer solutions that fit your needs. Find out how much it costs to ship your product. Sustainable Benefits of Rail As the most fuel-efficient way to move freight over the ground, we invest approximately $10 million every day into infrastructure, equipment and technology to provide customers sustainable solutions. As the most fuel-efficient way to move freight over the ground, we invest approximately $10 million every day into infrastructure, equipment and technology to provide customers sustainable solutions. Overview We're prepared to ship just about anything: coal and chemicals, food and forest products, automobiles and agricultural products – safely and on time. We're prepared to ship just about anything: coal and chemicals, food and forest products, automobiles and agricultural products – safely and on time. Shipping by Market Automotive Union Pacific offers transportation solutions for finished vehicles and automotive parts. Union Pacific offers transportation solutions for finished vehicles and automotive parts. Agricultural Products We transport the food that fuels the nation. Union Pacific specializes in providing innovative transportation solutions for grain, grain products, fresh and frozen food, beverages and fertilizer. We transport the food that fuels the nation. Union Pacific specializes in providing innovative transportation solutions for grain, grain products, fresh and frozen food, beverages and fertilizer. Chemicals & Plastics The Industrial chemicals market consists of chemical compounds that support the manufacturing of more complex chemicals and goods we use every day. The Industrial chemicals market consists of chemical compounds that support the manufacturing of more complex chemicals and goods we use every day. Energy & Renewables We transport the energy that fuels the nation, specializing in transportation solutions for coal, biofuels, ethanol, diesel exhaust fuel, petroleum products, sand, drilling-related products and wind components. We transport the energy that fuels the nation, specializing in transportation solutions for coal, biofuels, ethanol, diesel exhaust fuel, petroleum products, sand, drilling-related products and wind components. Intermodal Union Pacific’s intermodal market reaches more markets, more frequently than any other North American railroad. Union Pacific’s intermodal market reaches more markets, more frequently than any other North American railroad. Machinery & Oversized We can move just about anything. A dimensional load is greater in size or weight than a typical rail shipment and requires special handling. We can move just about anything. A dimensional load is greater in size or weight than a typical rail shipment and requires special handling. Metals, Minerals & Forest Our extensive network enables industrial product commodities to move between thousands of locations throughout North America. Our extensive network enables industrial product commodities to move between thousands of locations throughout North America. Mexico Union Pacific is the leading rail provider to and from the U.S./Mexico border and the only railroad to serve all six major gateways. Union Pacific is the leading rail provider to and from the U.S./Mexico border and the only railroad to serve all six major gateways. Overview Choose the market that best fits what you will be shipping. Choose the market that best fits what you will be shipping. Shipment Resources Shipment Resources Overview Helpful resources to keep your shipments on track. Helpful resources to keep your shipments on track. Announcements by Market News encompassing multiple markets and topics. News encompassing multiple markets and topics. Overview Helpful resources to keep your shipments on track. Helpful resources to keep your shipments on track. Customer Contacts Customer Contacts Overview New to Union Pacific? Learn more about our shipment solutions. New to Union Pacific? Learn more about our shipment solutions. Overview New to Union Pacific? Learn more about our shipment solutions. New to Union Pacific? Learn more about our shipment solutions. About Us About Us Company Overview Union Pacific has been building America for more than 160 years, delivering the goods that feed our nation, the supplies that support families and the raw goods to build roads, skyscrapers and schools. Union Pacific has been building America for more than 160 years, delivering the goods that feed our nation, the supplies that support families and the raw goods to build roads, skyscrapers and schools. Pursuing What's Possible The Union Pacific team is focusing on Safety, Service and Operational Excellence in pursuit of growth. The Union Pacific team is focusing on Safety, Service and Operational Excellence in pursuit of growth. Our Leadership Learn about Union Pacific’s senior leadership team. Learn about Union Pacific’s senior leadership team. Our History Founded July 1, 1862, when President Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act, Union Pacific has been building America for more than 160 years. Founded July 1, 1862, when President Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act, Union Pacific has been building America for more than 160 years. Contact Us New to Union Pacific? Learn more about our shipment solutions. New to Union Pacific? Learn more about our shipment solutions. UnionPacificStore.com Shop officially licensed Union Pacific apparel, calendars, collectibles and souvenirs including Big Boy No. 4014 merchandise. Shop officially licensed Union Pacific apparel, calendars, collectibles and souvenirs including Big Boy No. 4014 merchandise. Overview Union Pacific delivers the nation’s goods with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 states, we connect our customers and communities to the global economy. Union Pacific delivers the nation’s goods with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 states, we connect our customers and communities to the global economy. Investors Investor Overview Union Pacific Railroad is one of America’s most recognized companies. We provide a critical link in the global supply chain by linking 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail. Union Pacific Railroad is one of America’s most recognized companies. We provide a critical link in the global supply chain by linking 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail. Investor Events Learn about Union Pacific’s upcoming investor events and presentations. Learn about Union Pacific’s upcoming investor events and presentations. Financials View Union Pacific’s quarterly results, annual reports and SEC filings. View Union Pacific’s quarterly results, annual reports and SEC filings. Key Performance Metrics Weekly key performance measures and reports. Weekly key performance measures and reports. Sustainability Union Pacific connects businesses and communities by providing safe, reliable and efficient supply chain solutions that drive sustainable economic growth. Union Pacific connects businesses and communities by providing safe, reliable and efficient supply chain solutions that drive sustainable economic growth. Overview Union Pacific Railroad is one of America’s most recognized companies. We provide a critical link in the global supply chain by linking 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail. Union Pacific Railroad is one of America’s most recognized companies. We provide a critical link in the global supply chain by linking 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail. Communities Communities Overview Union Pacific serves nearly 7,300 communities where our employees live and work. From rural towns to metropolitan areas, we are committed to fostering strong, lasting relationships. Union Pacific serves nearly 7,300 communities where our employees live and work. From rural towns to metropolitan areas, we are committed to fostering strong, lasting relationships. Rail Safety At Union Pacific, we take safety seriously. Our goal is to be the safest railroad in North America. At Union Pacific, we take safety seriously. Our goal is to be the safest railroad in North America. Notify Union Pacific Report concerns such as blocked or damaged crossings, idling equipment, illegal dumping or transient encampments. Report concerns such as blocked or damaged crossings, idling equipment, illegal dumping or transient encampments. Real Estate Seeking access to Union Pacific property or developing or working on public projects? Find resources here. Seeking access to Union Pacific property or developing or working on public projects? Find resources here. Philanthropic Giving Union Pacific’s Community Ties Giving Program invests in high-quality nonprofits that foster safe, prosperous and inclusive communities in the cities and towns where we operate. Union Pacific’s Community Ties Giving Program invests in high-quality nonprofits that foster safe, prosperous and inclusive communities in the cities and towns where we operate. Public Projects Union Pacific collaborates with local communities and agencies to develop public projects like road crossings, grade separations, signals, trails and more near railroad right-of-way. Union Pacific collaborates with local communities and agencies to develop public projects like road crossings, grade separations, signals, trails and more near railroad right-of-way. Overview Union Pacific serves more than 7,000 communities where our employees live and work. From rural towns to metropolitan areas, we are committed to fostering strong, lasting relationships. Union Pacific serves more than 7,000 communities where our employees live and work. From rural towns to metropolitan areas, we are committed to fostering strong, lasting relationships. Suppliers New Suppliers Union Pacific’s Supply Chain Department builds supplier relationships to meet business needs using safe, ethical and efficient solutions. Union Pacific’s Supply Chain Department builds supplier relationships to meet business needs using safe, ethical and efficient solutions. Existing Suppliers Union Pacific’s Supply Chain Department builds supplier relationships to meet business needs using safe, ethical and efficient solutions. Union Pacific’s Supply Chain Department builds supplier relationships to meet business needs using safe, ethical and efficient solutions. Overview Union Pacific’s Supply Chain Department builds supplier relationships to meet business needs using safe, ethical and efficient solutions. Union Pacific’s Supply Chain Department builds supplier relationships to meet business needs using safe, ethical and efficient solutions. News Press Releases Union Pacific’s latest press releases as we deliver Safety, Service and Operational Excellence. Union Pacific’s latest press releases as we deliver Safety, Service and Operational Excellence. Union Pacific News News across our railroad as we deliver Safety, Service and Operational Excellence. News across our railroad as we deliver Safety, Service and Operational Excellence. Reporter Inquiries Union Pacific's Media team is available to respond to reporter inquiries as needed. Union Pacific's Media team is available to respond to reporter inquiries as needed. Media Kits Additional resources for reporters. Additional resources for reporters. Overview Stay connected with the latest updates and news as we deliver Safety, Service and Operational Excellence. Stay connected with the latest updates and news as we deliver Safety, Service and Operational Excellence. Employees Employees Emergencies Call 1-888-877-7267 Report an issue Careers Investors Contact Us Suggested Results item See All Results No Results Is shipping your freight by rail a good option? Evaluate rail shipping by shipment visibility, costs, shipping speed, capacity and more. Don't miss the video and printable infographic. Service January 10, 2023 Share Pros & Cons of Rail: Shipping Cost, Speed, Capacity and More Explore the advantages and disadvantages of rail shipping, one of the most cost-effective and environmentally responsible transportation modes Welcome to Part II of our transportation mode comparison series where we take a deep dive into the benefits of shipping by rail and the challenges of rail shipping, too. Companies have a lot of options for freight shipping, which is why we're breaking down the most popular modes of transportation by cost, speed, capacity, reliability and environmental impact. Don't miss the other pieces in the series on truck, ship/barge and plane.
Shipping by Rail
From household goods and food products to automobiles and building materials, you name it. It probably shipped by rail at some point. Trains play a major role in connecting markets from coast to coast, shipping the goods that keep America moving. Rail is one of the most efficient and cost effective transportation modes, especially when it comes to shipping very large volumes over long distances. Is it right for you?
RAIL SHIPPING PROS: Cost-effective shipping Comparable speed to truck shipping Ability to transport large volumes of freight at one time Reliable transit times and schedules Environmentally responsible and fuel efficient
RAIL SHIPPING CONS: If you don't have railroad tracks at your facility, coordination with trucks for first- and last-mile shipping may be needed Limited reach in some instances Very small shipments often do not yield tremendous cost savings
Cost Rail shipping is considered one of the most cost-effective modes of transportation, especially for large volumes traveling long distances. Due to its ability to move major quantities of freight at one time, rail shipping has a lower cost-per-ton-mile (the cost of moving one ton of freight one mile) than truck shipping. In fact, a train requires less energy to move from Point A to Point B and can carry the freight equivalent of 300 trucks. When you think about basic physics, the amount of energy needed to move a truck or train is related to the amount of rolling and air friction. A turning steel wheel in contact with steel rail produces a significantly smaller amount of rolling friction than a rolling rubber truck tire in contact with asphalt or pavement. There is less air friction on trains, too, because rail cars are connected and all cars ride together in the draft of a single locomotive. Each truck traveling over the road must independently fight air friction, which, in turn, expends more energy and uses up more fuel.
Speed While you might think trucks travel much faster than trains, transit times for rail and over-the-road trucking can be comparable. Plus, trains are less susceptible to traffic congestion and road construction delays and have the ability to move shipments over long distances quickly and efficiently.
Capacity Unlike trucks and planes, rail shipping offers huge carrying capacities that can adjust as your business grows or shipping needs change. Rail can also accommodate shipments of many shapes and sizes, from grain to wind turbine blades.
Reach You may be surprised to learn that railroad tracks span nearly 140,000 miles across the U.S., reaching all major markets from coast to coast. Even if you don't have railroad tracks at your door, most railroads can help coordinate a door-to-door shipping solution through intermodal transport or transloading.
Shipment Visibility Typically, most train locomotives are tracked via GPS, and the majority of railroads offer shipment management solutions that help you trace your shipments in real time. All rail cars have Automatic Equipment ID tags, and tag readers are positioned throughout the United States to offer a high level of shipment visibility.
Reliability Weather delays can have an impact on rail shipments. Today’s railroads are focused on reliable transit times and schedules — and rail shipments can be expected to arrive within a pre-determined timeframe.
Environmental Impact Shipping by rail is by far one of the most environmentally responsible transportation modes. On average, railroads move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles per gallon of fuel, and trains are four times more fuel efficient than trucks. Plus, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data show freight railroads account for only 0.5% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and only 1.9% of the transportation-related sources.
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Related Articles: Pros and Cons of Truck Shipping Pros and Cons of Shipping by Air Pros and Cons of Shipping by Water Transportation Mode Pros and Cons: A Comprehensive Look
VIDEO: Rail Shipping Pros and Cons
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