2023 Archive
Real Railroaders 03232023
One Mother and Three Daughters Share a Rich Railroad Legacy at Union Pacific
MaryAnn Hennessy and her three daughters – Brandy Lloyd, Tiffany Mace, and Lindsey Stoddard have more in common than being family members and train crew professionals who work for Union Pacific. The women also share a rich railroad history that extends back through five generations of Hennessys.
Insights 03142023
Command Center Provides Around-the-clock Derailment Prevention
Union Pacific's Operating Practices Command Center takes a proactive stance by using state-of-the-art technology to analyze unintended train stops across the network as well as perform recertifications and other annual requirements for all UP Class 1 employees.
Real Railroaders 03102023
Union Pacific Track Inspector Rescues Couple from Burning Home
A Union Pacific track inspector with an eagle eye for potential track defects recently made the biggest catch of his life – on his way to work, he spotted a house on fire in rural Illinois about a half-mile off the road.
Insights 03082023
Comprehensive Training at the Heart of Rail Safety
Union Pacific’s 33,000+-strong employee workforce is responsible for the safe movement of freight that powers our lives, keeps our store shelves stocked and builds our homes and communities. To do this requires an array of skills that spans every craft, along with a commitment to comprehensive, state-of-the-art training. Last year, UP provided more than 1.5 million hours of best-in-class training to Union Pacific’s workforce, including craft professionals who work to enable safe train operations.
Community 03062023
Union Pacific Devoting Spaces for Employee Prayer and Meditation
Union Pacific employees at the railroad’s Omaha and Spring, Texas, facilities now have a dedicated space to pray, meditate or take a quiet moment. Driven by employee feedback, these spaces are meaningful to employees who practice a religion requiring prayer at specific times, such as Muslims and Orthodox Jews, and those simply seeking time to meditate or reflect.
Real Railroaders 03062023
Hamann’s Leadership Empowers Excellence
Whether serving as Union Pacific’s first woman chief financial officer or volunteering for community activities, Jennifer Hamann’s leadership positively impacts those around her.
Safety 03032023
Tank Cars Inspected as Part of Handoff Process
When a tank car or any other rail car is added to a train on the Union Pacific network, a Union Pacific employee performs a Class 1 airbrake inspection to make sure airbrakes are properly functioning. The employee also performs a visual inspection for mechanical defects, looking for anything that would affect the running function of the rail car.
Insights 03012023
Derailment Prevention Key to Keeping Trains on Track
Derailment prevention initiatives are fundamental to safe train operations at Union Pacific. There are several approaches to accomplishing this work. Union Pacific utilizes technology, optimal response and maintenance methodologies, and an aggressive capital renewal strategy to help keep trains on the tracks.
Safety 02242023
Committed to a Safe Chemical Supply Chain: Union Pacific Maintains Industry-Best Certification
Union Pacific is proud to announce its recertification as a member of the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Responsible Care Management System (RCMS) – reaffirming its commitment to the safe transportation of customers’ chemical commodities leveraging industry-best safety practices.
Real Railroaders 02232023
During COVID-19 and Beyond, Union Pacific’s Larm Safeguards Employee Health
Union Pacific's Patrick Larm was recently named one of Railway Age’s 2023 'Fast Trackers' for its annual 25 under 40 awards program and spotlighted in the February issue. The program honors railroaders under the age of 40 for making an impact in their respective fields or within their company.
Innovation 02222023
Union Pacific's GHG Reduction Goals Get a Lift from Hybrid Cranes
Union Pacific finalized contracts to purchase and test four hybrid cranes for use in its intermodal yards. These hybrid cranes are expected to consume at least 50% less diesel than standard cranes.
Insights 02202023
Safe Rail Transport of Chemicals Requires the Utmost Preparedness
The rail accident that occurred Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio, has generated significant interest, curiosity and concern about hazardous materials being transported by rail. Our company and all carriers and producers of hazardous materials are reflecting on how well they’re prepared to respond if a similar situation occurs.
Safety 02172023
Creativity and Active Listening Help Kenefick Winner White Set Service Unit Safety Record
For Melissa White, zero injuries isn’t a nice-to-have or a lofty goal to aim for, it’s a realistic expectation that starts and ends with each day, and every employee.
Insights 02062023
Goodbye Cab Signals Technology, Hello Positive Train Control
Dec. 21, 2022, marked a technological milestone – the last of Union Pacific’s locomotive cab signal systems were discontinued, marking the end of the use by UP of a technology that served us for nearly 100 years.
Real Railroaders 02032023
Union Pacific's 'Sierra Snow Fighters' Give Mother Nature a Run For Her Money in California
Union Pacific's snow-fighting teams work to keep the nation’s supply chain moving and America’s shelves stocked during extreme snowstorms.
Real Railroaders 01312023
Military Prepared Marquez for Life on the Rails
How do Union Pacific employees provide safe and reliable service year-after-year in a 24/7 outdoor factory? Conductor Antonio Marquez credits his 18-year reportable injury-free career to situational awareness and knowing what’s required to safely complete each job.
Innovation 01262023
Paper Folds Neatly into Union Pacific’s Sustainability Goals
Railroads are a perfect fit for the scrap and recycled paper industry’s transportation needs, as bundled bales of scrap paper and recycled boxes stack neatly and efficiently into rail cars.
Heritage 01152023
Union Pacific Invented the Ski Chairlift?
You expect innovation from a name like Union Pacific, although with the company’s rich history, you may be surprised how far its achievements in technology and engineering reach. Take for example the ski chairlift, spotlighted in the Union Pacific Museum’s newest exhibit, “Discovered!: Winter Sports Under a Summer Sun: The Railroad and Sun Valley.”
Real Railroaders 01132023
Rocker’s 'Hustle' Shapes His Professional, Personal Development
Kenny Rocker attributes his ‘hustle’ – his drive to learn, grow and win as a team – to learning the ins and outs of the industries Union Pacific serves over his 28-year railroad career.
Innovation 01122023
Anheuser-Busch Partners with Union Pacific for Wholesale Delivery
Back in the 1880s, Anheuser-Busch founder Adolphus Busch pioneered the use of refrigerated rail cars to transport the company’s product. More than 100 years later, the brewery is returning to its rail roots in a big way in 2023, with the help of Union Pacific Railroad.
Innovation 01112023
Texas Siding Projects Expedite Track Speed
Everything really IS bigger in Texas – Union Pacific's construction, rail, signal, surfacing and tie teams have been busy tackling an expansive series of track projects designed to upgrade the state’s rail potential.
Real Railroaders 01052023
Giving Good Cheer: Toy Drives, Donations Celebrate the Season
Union Pacific employees supported charitable causes with donation drives throughout the holiday season. In the spotlight today: railroaders showing community pride in Kansas City, North Platte, Omaha and San Antonio.
Real Railroaders 01042023
Dowling's Critical Thinking Bolsters UP's Financial Strategies
Pushing the envelope, facilitating open dialogue and fostering a collaborative environment enables Union Pacific’s Tony Dowling, and the Finance team he leads, to make notable contributions to railroad operations.