Union Pacific Coal Volumes Set a Record in May
June 14 2006 - 9:59AM
PR Newswire (US)
Milder Weather, Capital Investments Enhance Year-over-Year
Performance OMAHA, Neb., June 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- During
the first five months of 2006, Union Pacific loaded a record 5,304
coal trains. Union Pacific Railroad loaded 1,090 coal trains in the
Southern Powder River Basin (SPRB) in May 2006. This was the best
May performance ever. This is an increase of 205 more trains
compared to May 2005 when derailments and unstable track conditions
occurred after severe weather. In Colorado and Utah, Union Pacific
loaded 347 trains during May 2006, the most loadings in the past
six months and the company set a record in May for coal trains off
the North Fork branch in Colorado, with 160 trains loaded. "We
value our coal franchise and are working hard to move our
customers' goods during a period of unprecedented demand for coal,"
said Jack Koraleski, executive vice president -- Marketing and
Sales. "Our strategic investments in our railroad infrastructure,
equipment, people and technology are helping us to move more trains
for our customers." Total SPRB Joint Line loadings for May of this
year averaged 65.4 trains per day, compared to 53.5 in May 2005 --
an 11.9 train increase year-over-year. And, Joint Line train
loadings for the first five months of 2006 increased by 500 trains
-- from 9,248 trains in 2005 to 9,748 trains during the same period
this year. The SPRB Joint Line is owned by Union Pacific and BNSF
Railway. As part of its infrastructure development strategy
designed to increase capacity for coal trains and improve
coal-delivery reliability, Union Pacific is installing additional
Centralized Traffic Control signals along its lines across Iowa and
making interchange improvements with eastern connections at East
St. Louis. In mid-February, Union Pacific completed the bypass
project in Marysville, Kansas. This was a multi-year project that
moved the company's double main line out of downtown, added six
passing tracks and closed 11 grade crossings. This project will
improve public safety and velocity for approximately 70 trains per
day from 20 to 50 miles per hour. In Colorado, capacity projects
include the Winter Park grade separation, and sidings at Yarmony
and Tolland. In May, the company announced with BNSF Railway a $100
million capacity expansion plan on the jointly owned rail line
serving the Southern Powder River Basin coal fields. Jobs at Union
Pacific Currently, Union Pacific has job openings at many locations
throughout its 23-state operating system. Opportunities are
available in train service, skilled disciplines (e.g., diesel
mechanics and electricians) and management. Interested applicants
are encouraged to visit http://www.up.com/ and click on "Jobs at
UP." About Union Pacific Union Pacific Corporation owns one of
America's leading transportation companies. Its principal operating
company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western
two-thirds of the country and serves the fastest-growing U.S.
population centers. Union Pacific's diversified business mix
includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy,
Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad offers competitive
long-haul routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to
eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada's rail systems
and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico,
making it North America's premier rail franchise. For further
information, contact James Barnes (402) 544-3560. DATASOURCE: Union
Pacific Corporation CONTACT: James Barnes of Union Pacific
Corporation, +1-402-544-3560 Web site: http://www.up.com/
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