FAQ
It is important to us that you are satisfied with the shipment of your product. To ensure that you are well informed, we have provided you with quick answers to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about shipping with Union Pacific Railroad. Within the answers are quicklinks to provide you with more information about each subject. If you have a question not answered in this section, please call 1-800-877-0513 to speak with a Union Pacific representative.
Determining the Cost of Shipping
How would I obtain a rate for shipping?
Read Obtaining a Rate for more information on public rates, private rates and making a request.
Search online for public rates by using the Price & Transit Time Inquiry.
Geographical Locations and Rail Lines
What are the geographic locations and rail lines of Union Pacific?
Union Pacific is the largest railroad in North America. Our rail network serves 23 states, linking every major West Coast & Gulf Coast port. We also serve four major gateways to the east: Chicago, St. Louis, Memphis and New Orleans. UP is not only the primary rail connection between the United States and Mexico, we also interchange traffic with the Canadian rail system.
If you are shipping to or from Mexico, please contact a Union Pacific Representative, as there are many special processes and procedures that must be followed for international business.
To see UP's geographical locations and rail lines please review our System Map.
Moving Your Product by Rail
Any industry track, leased track or team track that Union Pacific serves must first be covered by a written agreement (Track Agreement) with the shipper, consignee or care-of party. The Track Agreement covers ownership, operation, maintenance, safety, liability and other guidelines relative to the track.
What type of rail car should I use for my shipment?
The rail car used is generally based on the commodity being shipped. Knowing the commodity and the size of your load will help in finding the rail car for your shipment.
Select STCC/Commodity/Equipment Type to find your commodity and the rail car best for you.
What are the varying sizes or loading capacities of my rail car?
Union Pacific Railroad has a wide variety of rail cars in varying sizes and loading capacities. The type of commodity you ship usually determines the type and size of rail car needed.
Select Equipment Resources and Policies for information on rail car descriptions and capabilities.
How do I order a rail car?
There are two options for ordering a rail car.
1). You may call the National Customer Service Center (1-800-272-8777)
2). If you are a registered user of MyUPRR.com, you may order your car online by using the 'Car Order' feature.
Select Ordering your Rail Car to access the Car Order Application.
Where do I load my rail car?
You may load your rail car at a spur located at your facility, team track or transload facility.
Contact our Damage Prevention Engineers for planning assistance with loading or unloading.
Is there a limit to the number of rail cars I can order?
You may order as many rail cars as you need. There should, however, be enough room for all cars to be placed at your facility.
When ordering rail cars, you should be aware of potential demurrage charges for excessive time spent loading or unloading your rail car.
Select Terms and Conditions for information regarding daily charges.
How long does it take a rail car (for loading purposes) to reach my facility?
It usually depends on the type of car ordered or the demand for the particular rail car requested. If given a week's notice, UP will try to have your car available in 5-10 days.
If You're Not Rail Served
Where would I find the rail site nearest me?
Our Industrial Development group will assist you with site location needs, including accurate information on available land, buildings and transload facilities.
How would I move my product to rail if I were not rail served?
Union Pacific Distribution Services (UPDS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Union Pacific Railroad, is a logistics operating company that can help you get your product from its location to the railroad.
Select If You're Not Rail Served for more information on UPDS.
Building a Relationship with Union Pacific Railroad
How do I set up an account with Union Pacific Railroad?
The first step in setting up an account with Union Pacific Railroad is to call our Market Development and Sales Center at 1-800-877-0513. You will be connected with the administrative assistant who will ask you a few questions about your shipping needs and then direct you to the representative who can best serve you based on the commodities you ship.
Select Register as a UP Customer to create a customer profile with Union Pacific.
May I speak with a representative about questions concerning my commodity?
Yes, you may speak with a representative who will be able to answer additional questions about shipping your particular commodity.
See Call a Representative to speak with a Union Pacific Representative about your commodity.