Winter Weather Operations Update

Announcement Number: CN2021-14
Categories: General Announcements
Posted Date: February 18, 2021

To Our Customers,

We are making progress with our recovery efforts as weather improves. Our network from the Pacific Northwest through the Midwest is recovering and we are working to resume normal operations in these areas.

Chicago Impact
The Chicago metroplex continues to work through significant snow removal operations and we expect that will impact our operations over the next 48 to 60 hours.

Southern Region Impact
Additional heavy snowfall in the Little Rock and Pine Bluff areas, as well as icing in eastern Texas and northern Louisiana have further impacted operations. Commercial power and water is slowly returning to areas of our network in Texas. Ongoing road closures continue to impact our ability to transport crews throughout the South.

Our employees are working around the clock to safely restore our entire network to full operations. Customers should continue to anticipate extended delays on shipments in the impacted areas until conditions improve and recovery efforts are complete.

Be Prepared for Service
It is especially important to offer safe access to your facility and be prepared for rail service during winter weather. All privately owned track must be cleared of snow and ice at industry, including rail switches, road crossings, walking paths and track right of way. Safety remains our top priority for our employees and customers during this recovery event.

How To Communicate Industry Curtailments
Customers in the affected area with facilities out of service as a result of the recent weather events should open a case in Case Management (user ID and password required). Select Create a Case in the Get Help box (select Search Criteria and enter an equipment ID for your location) and then choose Case Reason Manifest Equipment Transit Delays and Case Sub-Reason Facility Status Updates - Manifest Regions. Please include the information outlined below in the Description Field.

  • Damage or tracks out of service
  • Estimated facility repair time
  • Resumption of operations
  • Request service when repairs complete

Intermodal Terminals Reopening
We have developed a plan to reopen all of our intermodal terminals by Friday, February 19. The full schedule is listed here.

We remain focused on delivering your freight as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Care & Support at 800-272-8777 or your Union Pacific representative.