Amid ever-changing challenges to supply chain security, Union Pacific has undertaken aggressive steps to safeguard its customers’ cargo, including strengthening its infrastructure and deploying technology to surveil its tracks and rail yards.
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Union Pacific’s special agents are also part of a local law enforcement task force in the Los Angeles area, dedicated to combating cargo thefts. In the past 18 months, with the help of this special unit, the percentage of arrests leading to charges in the Los Angeles area has risen from 25% to 90%.
“Union Pacific is committed to being a leader on the security front, knowing our customers depend upon us to safely and securely transport goods and products to their final destinations,” said Brad Miller, director –Police Administration, at Union Pacific Railroad. “To that end, we continue to evolve our security efforts, enhancing measures on numerous fronts to protect our employees, operations and customers’ goods.”
Since January of 2023, Union Pacific has invested more than $30 million on security projects, including the installation of camera units and fences. A few key steps and investments taken include:
Leveraging Technology
Union Pacific is using a variety of new technologies to conduct surveillance on its mainline tracks, rail yards and infrastructure, including the use of drones with thermal imaging capabilities that can identify would-be trespassers or suspects. These drones allow us to monitor our large rail yards and quickly zero-in on suspicious behavior.
In addition, we have deployed more than 70 high-tech camera units to monitor our infrastructure on a 24-7 basis. These cameras are strategically placed on our network and utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) to alert dispatchers when possible criminal conduct is spotted. The dispatcher reviews the information flagged by the AI cameras and dispatches personnel if criminal conduct is suspected.
Securing Personnel
Additional special agents are on staff and patrolling the LA Basin. Union Pacific also continues to rotate special agents into specific areas, underscoring its ability to quickly multiply forces on the ground to respond to targeted areas.
Strengthening Infrastructure
Union Pacific has added more than 41,000 linear feet of cement walls, barbed wire fences and crash-proof fencing to secure parts of our right-of-way and rail yards in targeted areas, including the LA Basin.
Building Relationships
Union Pacific understands that cargo thefts require cooperation and focus from all the stakeholders in the nation’s supply chain. Our special agents work hard to cultivate close working relationships with local law enforcement agencies, including police and sheriff departments, who often oversee the bigger investigations into organized crime that overlap with cargo thefts.
Supporting Shippers
Union Pacific also works closely with our shippers and industry experts, finding ways to secure and enhance cargo security, including identifying ways to strengthen the locks on containers. Currently, GPS sensors are being used on containers to identify real-time threats and mitigate potential areas of theft both on and off the railroad.
Shipping Do’s and Don’ts
Shippers are taking action to protect cargo, including the use of theft-deterrent locks, designed to safeguard containers from such things as bolt cutters.
Union Pacific recommends these additional shipper tips:
- Cargo owners should avoid placing identifying information on the outside of containers, such as company names or logos.
- Prior to loading, make sure the locking devices on containers are properly operating.
- Restrict information on high-value shipments to key personnel only.
- When possible, load high value products toward the nose of the container.
- Theft-deterrent or barrier seals are recommended over plastic or tin seals, as they provide the highest level of protection from unauthorized entry into intermodal containers or trailers.
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