Union Pacific Halts Rail Shipments From West Coast to Chicago Over ‘Significant Congestion’

Freight train with both Union Pacific and BNSF engines on track next to California State Route 111. Michael Rosebrock/Shutterstock

Union Pacific, one of the largest freight railroad operators, said it will suspend service between the West Coast and Chicago due to congestion, according to a spokesperson for the railroad.

“We believe this change will allow the transportation supply chain to begin working off the backlog of Global IV destined trains, while freeing up railcar assets to support import loading needs on the West Coast,” a spokesperson for the railroad told SupplyChainDive. “We are working closely with the ocean carriers and collaborating wherever possible to improve the health of the supply chain.”