Ethanol, Biofuels & Co-Products Overview

Union Pacific can help Ethanol and Biodiesel Producers move products and co-products through the distribution chain in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Our services include the following:

  • Assistance in site selection and rail design for new production facilities
  • Assistance in developing unloading terminals in major consumption markets
  • Movement of product in manifest (single car), sweep (two origins to one destination) or unit train (one origin to one destination) shipments to major consumptive markets
  • Connections to the all major North American carriers and select western regional carriers for ability to supply a larger market
  • On-site safety consultations
  • Access to online tools to manage fleets of cars

All sweep and unit train shipments must be pre-approved by Union Pacific - minimum and maximum are dependant on commodity and destination.

Moving Product Via Rail

  • All new facilities must obtain approval through UP's Rail Access Process prior to construction.
  • Tank cars must be privately owned or leased for movement Ethanol and Biodiesel as well as Hoppers for DDG movements.
  • Buffer cars for ethanol sweep and unit trains must be furnished by the customer.
  • All unit and sweep trains must be pre-approved by UP, forecasted in UP's system, and follow all tariff rules and guidelines.

To learn more about shipping biofuels and co-products by rail, answer a few questions and we'll connect you with a member of the team.

Public Tariff Pricing - UP 2028 Tariff for Ethanol, Biodiesel & Renewable Diesel

Public pricing can be looked up by document or by origin and destination at Price and Document Inquiry.

Public Tariff Pricing - UP 4053 Tariff for Feed Ingredients

Public pricing can be looked up by document or by origin and destination at Price and Document Inquiry.

Commodities include but are not limited to

  • Oils
  • Canola Meal
  • Soybean Meal
  • DDGs
  • Misc. Feed
  • Corn Gluten Meal