Growth
September 10, 2026
Union Pacific Advances Cross-Border Coal Export Opportunity Through Port of Guaymas
Union Pacific Railroad is opening new pathways to global markets through a series of coal shipments moving from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming to the Port of Guaymas, Mexico – demonstrating the strength of its cross-border network and customer partnerships.
Working alongside leading coal producer Peabody and U.S. and Mexican partners, the railroad supported test shipments to evaluate the feasibility of exporting U.S. coal through the Sonora, Mexico-based port and into international markets. The effort comes as the industry explores additional export capacity beyond U.S. West Coast terminals.
Coal originating at Peabody’s North Antelope Mine in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin moved across Union Pacific’s network before interchanging with Mexican railroad Ferromex in Nogales, Arizona, to Guaymas. From there, it was loaded onto vessels bound for Asia, with the first shipment headed to Vietnam.
“This effort shows how Union Pacific can connect U.S. production to global markets through a seamless cross-border supply chain,” said Kelli Sweet, director, Marketing and Sales, Union Pacific. “If market conditions support it, this creates another viable export option for customers.”
The initiative required close coordination among government stakeholders, rail partners and port operators, along with significant collaboration across Union Pacific teams, including Network Planning and Operations, and Customer Care and Support.
“This was a true team effort on both sides of the border,” said Giovany Danel, manager, Marketing and Sales, Union Pacific. “We worked through every detail to deliver a reliable and efficient solution for our customer.”
With multiple trains already completed and a vessel loaded, Union Pacific and its partners are evaluating potential next steps, including the possibility of executing future shipments.