Technology Helps Keep Union Pacific Moving

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.

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.