OMAHA, Neb – Based on the success of a new, expedited southbound intermodal service to Mexico launched last summer, Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway Co. today announced northbound service with the same transportation options.
The truck-competitive service offers expedited service schedules from Mexico and Laredo, Texas, to eastern/southeastern U.S. cities. Origins include Mexico City as well as other markets in Mexico and Laredo to UP’s Marion, Ark., intermodal facility and NS destinations Atlanta, Ga.; Charlotte, N.C.; Jacksonville and Miami, Fla.; Harrisburg, Pa. and E-Rail, N.J., near Elizabeth.
The new northbound service will be offered seven days a week to Harrisburg and E-Rail and five days a week to other destinations. Traffic is expected to be mixed freight, including consumer items and manufactured goods.
Three types of service are available:
- TransBorder provides all-rail, seamless service between Mexico and the U.S., bypassing customs at the border, instead clearing customs within the interior of Mexico. TransBorder provides shippers complete tracking capability in both the U.S. and Mexico. UP interchanges with Transportacion Ferroviaria Mexicana railroad (TFM) at Laredo.
- Passport provides a combination truck-rail service. Shipments move by motor carrier from Mexico to UP’s intermodal facility at Laredo for forwarding by rail to U.S. destinations. Union Pacific Carrier Services makes arrangements for the highway transportation in Mexico.
- Conventional service allows customers the option to arrange for local container pick-up in Mexico for movement to UP’s intermodal facility in Laredo for subsequent rail transportation to U.S. destinations.
A guide to UP and NS intermodal services, including schedules, is available at the Union Pacific Web site, www.up.com and the Norfolk Southern Web site, www.nscorp.com.
