Technology Helps Keep Union Pacific Moving

Every day, technology helps Union Pacific operate safely, safeguard our people and communities and deliver for our customers.

Union Pacific has been a leader in innovation since 1862, continually advancing technologies that aid employee decision-making, enhance safety and improve efficiency to compete in an ever-changing transportation landscape.

 

While we’ve come a long way since diesel locomotives replaced steam – human insight, creative problem-solving and innovative technology continue to unlock unlimited possibilities for all our stakeholders.

Safety First: Smarter, Safer Operations

Safety is at the core of everything we do. Our innovative systems proactively identify risks and enhance operations:

 

  • Track geometry vehicles allow Engineering to scan more than 500,000 track miles annually, in addition to the 4.5 million miles of track we inspect by eye.
  • Wayside detectors generate 16 million data points daily with 7,000 devices sending real-time condition alerts as locomotives and rail cars traverse our network.
  • Positive Train Control evaluates train and track conditions, detects obstructions and calculates stopping distances, intervening when necessary to help prevent potential incidents.
  • Physics Train Builder models and monitors consists to balance in-train forces, analyze route factors and enhance safety.
Union pacific's 8568 locomotive on track

Customers Solutions: Faster, More Reliable Service

Technology is helping us deliver consistent, high-quality service across our 23-state network:

 

  • My Portal integrates customer systems, offering quick access to shipping tools and safety information.
  • Precision Gating Technology and the UP Go mobile app automate check-ins at our intermodal terminals so truck drivers can quickly get in and out. 
  • Widespan cranes integrate AI to semi-autonomously load and unload intermodal containers onto trucks – five are in use outside Chicago.

Empowering Employees: Better Tools, Safer Outcomes

Union Pacific’s tech investments aid decision-making and reduce potential risks for our employees:

 

  • Remote-control locomotives have safely enhanced yard safety and productivity for 20+ years, putting control of a train’s movement into the hands of its operator.
  • SwitchPro NX automates switching at 20+ terminals – allowing employees to use a handheld device to safely throw hundreds of switches without walking miles across a rail yard each day.
  • Autonomous unloading systems eliminate manual handling of track materials, cutting unloading time from 10 days to just 5–7 hours.
  • Point protection cameras help crews safely operate trains, providing clear real-time visibility – with near, far and 180-degree panoramic views.
  • Terminal Command Center provides local managers with real-time insights into performance across our 23-state network.
Locomotive with cargo
employee at computer

Operational Excellence: Big Data, Big Results

Union Pacific is the first Class I to modernize our core operating platforms, unlocking new possibilities and driving sustainable growth.

 

  • NetControl provides real-time insights to safely optimize performance within our transportation management system.
  • Energy Management Systems optimize locomotive throttle and braking to improve train handling and fuel efficiency.
  • CADx allows train dispatchers to line signals and switches, and issue restrictions and authorities, thanks to visibility to 70,000 system switches, signals, mileposts and signs. 
  • UP Vision operates as a network surveillance tool that tracks every train, helping teams manage network health and performance.
  • Network planning platform and optimization tools quickly integrate transportation plan changes while removing car stops from our network.

Reimagining What’s Possible

From Rail to Real-Time: Union Pacific Empowers Intermodal Customers with Enhanced GPS Tracking

Union Pacific Advances Rail Safety with Robotic Welding Technology

Union Pacific’s Point Protection Tech is Boosting Visibility

Fewer Stops, Faster Service: The Future of Freight Rail

Fuel Efficiency Systems Enable Safer, More Predictable Train Handling

How Union Pacific’s Real-Time Tech Is Powering Rail Growth

Union Pacific Launches ‘My Portal’ to Improve Customer Experience

Positive Train Control: The High-Tech System Helping Keep America's Railways on Track