Whether it's fresh fruits and vegetables, or chips, salsa and ice-cold beer for a tailgate, Union Pacific Railroad offers supply chain solutions for food and beverage producers that save money and the planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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“With access to boxcars, covered hoppers and the largest refrigerated boxcar fleet in the industry, equipment is available,” said Jason Hess, senior vice president-Bulk, Marketing & Sales. “Incorporating rail offers a safe and cost-effective option to transport temperature-controlled products, while removing trucks off our nation’s congested highways.”
Refrigerated boxcars are GPS-monitored and temperature-controlled, offering up to 37% better thermal protection than refrigerated truck trailers to deliver food at its freshest. Did we mention shippers can also move more, with up to 59% more space in just one refrigerated boxcar?
Using rail is the most environmentally responsible way to move goods over land, helping shippers reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%. If 25% of the truck traffic moving at least 750 miles was instead shipped by rail, annual GHG emissions would fall by approximately 13.1 million tons – the equivalent of taking 2.55 million cars off the highway or planting nearly 200 million trees.
So, what stops food and beverage producers from converting truck shipments to rail?
Many believe shipping by rail isn’t an option if they aren’t located near tracks, or they may be unaware of the products that safely travel on the tracks. Union Pacific has a team of regional experts ready to provide guidance and rail project management for businesses ready to find a rail-served site. We also provide transload and logistics solutions through Loup Logistics, a wholly owned subsidiary.
“Upon arrival, we have more than 100 transload partners ready to move beverages and packaged food to your destination,” said Marty Huff, general director-Bulk, Marketing & Sales. “Union Pacific reaches more food shippers than any other railroad, connecting major production and consumption markets across North America.”
Union Pacific operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connect with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways.
If you’re ready for a fresh way to think about shipping, Union Pacific’s Food & Beverage specialists can create a plan to move your food and beverage products safely by rail. To learn more about Union Pacific’s shipping solutions for food and beverages, answer a few questions about your freight shipment(s) and an expert will be in touch. Or visit UP.com/food.