First Time Rail Shipper Checklist

So you are ready to ship with Union Pacific — let's get you loaded up and shipping! We are here to help you through the process to ensure the safe and timely delivery of your shipment.

First Stop: Account Set-Up

There are a few steps to complete before you are ready to order and load equipment.

  1. New to Rail? Get answers to the basics or get started with a shipping expert.
  2. Register your company and request a user ID now.
  3. Submit a credit application to establish credit with Union Pacific instead of having to pay cash in advance.
  4. Sign-up for our Invoice Management payment system to manage and pay invoices for your shipping charges.
  5. Once you have your user ID and password, sign-up for shipment notifications that will assist you once you start shipping.

Let's Get Rollin': Follow the Rail Process by Shipper Type

Now that you have the basic account set-up behind you, it's time to prepare for your shipment journey. Begin by following the steps that matches your shipment type. While our goal is to provide a comprehensive "roadmap" for your shipment journey below, this may not be an inclusive list based on the intricacies of your shipment requirements.

Most links in the matrix below will require your user ID and password.

 
Carload Shippers

Rail cars moving from one rail-served facility to another

           
Intermodal Shippers

Containers moving in doublestack service between intermodal ramps

              
Unit Train Shippers

100+ rail cars moving from one facility to another

Set-up Steps

 

  1. Let's verify all the locations you may be shipping to/from have profiles in our shipping directory. Click now to complete this step.
  2. Let's confirm you have a price for your first shipment.
  3. If you will be loading Union Pacific rail equipment, let's ensure your car order pattern is ready to go. This is a step you will complete with your sales representative. Not sure who your sales rep is, connect with them now.
  4. If you will be loading private rail equipment, be sure to follow the registration steps so all the railroads know your rail equipment is safe to operate on their network.

Set-up Steps

 

The following steps are designed to be followed by a pre-approved Intermodal Marketing Company (IMC) or a Motor Carrier, contact one of our specialist to learn more about approval. If you are a Beneficial Cargo Owner (BCO) or shipper, please contact a channel partner provider.

  1. Gain access to the Union Pacific Intermodal Terminal Reservation System by selecting it from this dashboard.
  2. Do you need to load one of our EMP/UMAX containers? You will need to register with Blume Global.
  3. Complete the Uniform Intermodal Interchange Access Agreement (UIIA).
  4. Have your drayage company download the UPGo app to expedite their ramp experience.
  5. Let's confirm you have a price for your first shipment.
  6. Intermodal rates are also available here with your user ID and password.

Set-up Steps

 

  1. Let's verify all the locations you may be shipping to/from have profiles in our shipping directory. Click now to complete this step.
  2. Let's confirm you have a price for your first shipment.
  3. If you will be loading Union Pacific rail equipment, let's ensure your car order pattern is ready to go. This is a step you will complete with your sales representative. Not sure who your sales rep is, connect with them now.
  4. If you will be loading private rail equipment, be sure to follow the registration steps so all the railroads know your rail equipment is safe to operate on their network.
  5. Gain access to Unit Train Customer Interface (UTCI) by selecting it from this dashboard.

Shipping Steps

 

  1. Now it's time to order a car so you can load and go!
  2. Access Waybill Management now that you have loaded the rail car to tell us where it goes.
  3. Our Shipment Management tool will allow you to track and manage your shipment journey. 

Shipping Steps

 

  1. Order EMP/UMAX containers from Blume Global.
  2. Request an Intermodal Terminal Reservation.
  3. Our Shipment Management tool will allow you to track and manage your shipment journey.

Shipping Steps

 

  1. Now it's time to order a car so you can load and go!
  2. Access Waybill Management now that you have loaded the rail car to tell us where it goes.
  3. Our Shipment Management tool will allow you to track and manage your shipment journey.

 

Determine How You Will Exchange Data with Us

Determine format to transfer data to Union Pacific once you begin shipping. 

  • MyUPRR - Our secure website that resembles a traditional business to consumer platform (user ID and password is required).
  • Electronic Data Interchange - EDI is a computer-to-computer exchange of standard business documents.
  • API - Integrate your systems with ours to build dashboards, apps and reports. 

Special Steps for Special Shipments

    I've Got Questions

    Helpful Resources

    800-272-8777

    800-877-0531

    Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CT
    800-872-1045

    Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CT or 

    view our Invoice Management page
    877-712-4687
    uprrwebfinace@up.com

    800-925-6396