OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad achieved a record year of 1.25 million domestic intermodal shipments in 2009. In addition, for the second consecutive year, Union Pacific and UPS achieved a “Perfect Peak Season” by delivering 100 percent of UPS peak season freight without a sort failure.
“More and more customers are recognizing the value Union Pacific brings to their businesses,” said John Kaiser, Union Pacific vice president and general manager – Intermodal. “We have the equipment, core lane offerings and service products to provide a wide range of transportation solutions. Most importantly, we have the right people with the expertise and experience to address our customers’ specific needs.”
Prior to 2009, Union Pacific’s highest domestic intermodal volume was 1.19 million shipments in 2007. The introduction of 43 new truck-competitive service products allowed the railroad to capture freight that previously moved over the highway, as well as earn additional business from Hub Group, Pacer International and other large intermodal customers.
The UPS peak season begins the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and concludes Christmas Eve. During the 2009 peak season, Union Pacific delivered thousands of UPS containers and trailers conveying hundreds of packages each; many specifically for the holidays. Union Pacific and UPS together overcame significant challenges during this year’s peak season, including record sub-zero temperatures and snow accumulations.
“It takes coordination, communication and commitment from the UPS and Union Pacific teams to achieve the level of performance we attained during the 2009 UPS peak season,” Kaiser said. “The combination of providing fast and reliable rail service with UPS’s industry leading package delivery network allowed both consumers and businesses to enjoy a worry-free holiday season. Allowing UPS to achieve 100 percent sort performance is always our goal and we are proud to have attained that level of service during their peak season.”
