Union Pacific Boosts Intermodal Network With New Services

Union Pacific Railroad is accelerating its intermodal growth with the launch of a new expedited domestic service between Southern California’s Inland Empire and Chicago, alongside the grand opening of its Kansas City Intermodal Terminal (KCIT). Both initiatives aim to boost capacity, improve transit times, and offer truck-competitive alternatives for shippers.

New Inland Empire–Chicago Z Train Service

Starting Sept. 3, Union Pacific will introduce a high-speed domestic intermodal service linking the Los Angeles Basin’s busiest warehouse district through its Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal (IEIT) directly to Chicago’s Global 2 Intermodal Terminal. Part of the railroad’s Z train network, this service will move time-sensitive freight in just three days, up to 20% faster than current industry offerings.

Operating five days per week initially, with capacity to expand, the service targets shippers seeking consistent, reliable, and truck-competitive transportation.

“As we continue expanding IEIT, this service will deliver consistent, reliable, and truck-competitive transportation, challenging the norms of over-the-road shipping and competing head-to-head with team driver truck services,” says Kenny Rocker, Executive Vice President-Marketing and Sales, Union Pacific Railroad.

Kansas City Intermodal Terminal Opens

Union Pacific also celebrated the opening of KCIT in Kansas City, Kansas, the fourth new intermodal facility the company has launched since 2021. Strategically located near key highways and interstates, KCIT will handle both domestic and international containerized shipments of grains, consumer goods, refrigerated products, and auto parts, helping shift freight from trucks to rail.

“This new terminal reflects our commitment to building for the future and providing our customers with convenient and cost-effective access to the US supply chain. Our customers want faster, more reliable freight options and this terminal delivers,” says Rocker.

The facility features two new paved parking lots, additional working tracks for efficiency, and precision gate technology for automated truck entry and exit. With ample space for future growth, KCIT is poised to enhance regional capacity while reducing highway congestion and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

In tandem with the new terminal, Union Pacific will move its KCIT domestic service origin in Southern California from the Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF) in Long Beach to the City of Industry terminal. This change will integrate KCIT into Union Pacific’s expedited premium network, offering six-day-a-week service with transit times just over 2.5 days, more than 25% faster and saving up to 25 hours compared to current industry options.

The shift is expected to improve market access, streamline drayage operations, and enhance logistics planning. Kansas City-originating units will continue to utilize Union Pacific’s existing expedited premium train to the City of Industry.