Important Reminder: Secure Rail Car Doors and Hatches Prior to Release
Announcement Number: IP2017-9
Categories: All Industrial Products
Posted Date: April 3, 2017
To Our Customers,
Union Pacific is committed to providing a high-quality fleet of rail cars to our customers, and we need your help. Recently, we have been experiencing a higher than normal rate of rail cars released empty with exterior doors, top hatches or bottom gates left open. Closing the doors, gates and hatches allows for a safer movement of the empty freight car, helps keep the interior clean for the next loading customer and minimizes damage in transit to these critical components.
Union Pacific requires that all consignees close doors, gates and hatches prior to releasing equipment from their facility as found in the National Railroad Tariff Document. If there is a mechanical issue with the door, hatch or gate, prohibiting the device to be closed, the car can be "Released With Defect" via our Equipment Placement and Release System. Releasing with defect helps improve fleet quality by ensuring that the damaged component is repaired before the car is spotted to the next customer.
We are asking for your assistance in reminding your unloading personnel to close doors, hatches and gates before releasing the car empty. Together we can ensure we have a safe, high-quality fleet to handle your business going forward.
Thank you for making Union Pacific your preferred rail provider.
If you have any questions please contact your Union Pacific representative.