Union Pacific Railroad and Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) have announced a strategic collaboration to enhance rail services in Oregon through G&W’s Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad, Inc. (CORP). This new arrangement will enable CORP to manage local rail operations from Union Pacific’s Eugene Yard. The initiative is designed to improve service for local businesses and foster regional economic growth by streamlining operations and boosting efficiency.
The partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to delivering superior service and accommodating growth in the rail industry. By transferring local service responsibilities to CORP, Union Pacific can focus on reducing the handling of railcars, which is expected to create a more efficient and agile system. This approach will help both companies respond better to the current and future needs of their customers.
Eric Gehringer, Union Pacific’s Executive Vice President of Operations, emphasized the strengths of G&W in providing adaptable operations and excellent customer service. “G&W has a proven track record in operational flexibility and providing excellent customer service,” Gehringer said. “Those strengths, combined with Union Pacific’s unmatched franchise and access to critical markets nationwide, position us to provide customers with the service we sold them and grow together.”
This sentiment was echoed by Michael Miller, CEO of G&W, who expressed confidence in CORP’s ability to meet Union Pacific’s high standards. “Union Pacific can count on CORP to operate their Eugene, Oregon, yard safely and efficiently,” Miller stated. “In partnership with Union Pacific, our team is ready to deliver the customer-centric first- and last-mile rail service that customers have come to rely on from G&W railroads so that we can grow together.”
The transition to CORP managing operations at the Eugene Yard is subject to approval from the Surface Transportation Board. Union Pacific and G&W are already working closely with customers to ensure a seamless shift once the plan is implemented. Both companies are committed to minimizing disruptions and maintaining the high levels of service their customers expect.
The collaboration also addresses the impact on Union Pacific employees affected by the change. The company has been proactive in communicating with these employees, offering information about potential continued employment opportunities within CORP or other G&W railroads. For those focused on long-distance goods delivery, Union Pacific has assured them of continued work based out of Eugene Yard.
This move underscores Union Pacific’s dedication to optimizing its operations and strengthening its partnerships with regional rail operators like G&W. By leveraging CORP’s expertise in local rail service, Union Pacific aims to enhance its overall service quality, ensuring a stronger rail network that benefits customers and supports economic growth in Oregon and beyond.
The collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach to rail operations, combining the strengths of both companies to create a more efficient, customer-focused system. With a shared vision of growth and service excellence, Union Pacific and G&W are poised to deliver significant value to the rail industry and their customers.
By streamlining operations and prioritizing customer needs, this partnership not only enhances local rail services but also reinforces the role of rail transportation as a vital contributor to regional and national economic progress.