The new Union Pacific service from the Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal to Chicago will cut transit times by up to 20% and deliver rail options competitive with over-the-road trucking. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The new Union Pacific service from the Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal to Chicago will cut transit times by up to 20% and deliver rail options competitive with over-the-road trucking.
An eastbound Union Pacific intermodal Z train flies through Laramie, Wyo., on the Overland Route in June 2018. (Photo: Trains/Bill Stephens)

Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal Boosts Capacity and Reach

Union Pacific will enhance its position in the Southern California–Chicago corridor by introducing a high-priority Z-train in September. This new schedule will complete the journey in just over three days, outpacing many current industry options.

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The Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal now handles up to 120,000 lifts annually, a sharp increase from its 2021 capacity of 45,000. Its location, within 10 miles of most of the Inland Empire’s 625 million square feet of warehouse space, reduces drayage costs and time.

Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal Strengthens Competitive Edge

The terminal plays a pivotal role in processing containerized imports from the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach. Cargo moves by truck to nearby warehouses for transloading into domestic containers before traveling by rail to Chicago.

Union Pacific aims to challenge BNSF’s large San Bernardino terminal, which handles over 2,000 containers daily. The company also continues to cut transit times across premium Z-trains, including services linking Mexico with Chicago and, via Canadian National, Detroit and Canadian markets.

Union Pacific’s new Z-train will run five days per week, using the Los Angeles & Salt Lake route to Salt Lake City and the Overland Route to Chicago. Since CEO Jim Vena’s arrival in August 2023, the railroad has focused on speed, reliability, and network efficiency.

By pairing faster schedules with expanded capacity, the Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal stands as a cornerstone of Union Pacific’s long-term intermodal growth strategy. The company expects shippers to benefit from lower costs, reduced dray distances, and improved delivery performance.

Source: www.freightwaves.com

FAQ

What is the Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal?

The Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal is Union Pacific’s key Southern California facility that connects local warehouses with major inland markets such as Chicago. Learn more here.

How fast is the new Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal service to Chicago?

The service will reach Chicago in just over three days, making it up to 20% faster than current options.

Can the Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal compete with BNSF?

Yes. Its proximity to warehouses and faster service enables Union Pacific to directly challenge BNSF’s busy San Bernardino terminal.

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