Carload

Union Pacific provides reliable carload freight services for businesses shipping large volumes of goods by rail. With access to a vast network of rail-served industrial sites and transload facilities, customers can safely and efficiently move commodities across North America. 

Aerial view of Livonia Yard.

What Ships in Carload Business

Rail is a viable solution for many shippers, offering a safe, sustainable and economical way to ship large amounts of goods Americans rely on. Some of the most common commodities that ship in carload service include:

  • Raw Materials: Sand, plastic pellets, soda ash, rock, fibers, minerals.

  • Building Materials and Component Parts: Auto parts, lumber, pipe, metals, paper, rebar, metal coil, cement.

  • Fuel: Ethanol, biodiesel, gasoline, petroleum, propane, coal.

  • Food and Beverages: Packaged food, canned goods, frozen food, produce, seafood, cheese, chocolate, meat, grain, feed products, corn syrup, beer, wine, tequila, orange juice.

  • Finished Goods: Automobiles, machinery, military vehicles, irrigation equipment, paper, solar panels.

     

Shipping in rail cars offers customers:

  • Capacity for large amounts of cargo.

  • Greater efficiency compared to truck, especially for long-haul moves.

  • Lower cost per ton mile.

Customers must be rail-served to receive carload shipments . We have a team of regional experts that provide guidance and rail project management for businesses wanting to build, expand or find a rail-served site on Union Pacific. Find out more about connecting your business to rail.