Union Pacific Unveils Train Service from LA to Chicago to Compete with Trucking Companies

Union Pacific Railroad plans to launch a new intermodal service connecting Los Angeles to Chicago, aiming to compete with trucking companies. The service, which is expected to boost the rail company's intermodal capacity, will significantly reduce transit times for goods moving between the two cities. This move highlights Union Pacific's efforts to increase its market share in the transportation industry.

Union Pacific Railroad is set to revolutionize the transportation landscape by launching a new intermodal service connecting Southern California's Inland Empire to the heart of Chicago. The service, slated to commence on September 3, 2025, aims to boost intermodal capacity and significantly reduce transit times for goods moving between these key locations [1][2][3].

The new service will operate five days a week, with the potential to increase service days based on demand growth. Union Pacific's Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal (IEIT) will connect seamlessly with Chicago's Global 2 Intermodal Terminal, offering a transit time of just over three days. This is a substantial improvement over current industry offerings, which typically take around five days [1][2][3].

"As we continue expanding IEIT, this service will deliver consistent, reliable, and truck-competitive transportation," said Kenny Rocker, executive vice president-Marketing and Sales for Union Pacific Railroad. "We are challenging the norms of over-the-road shipping and competing head-to-head with team driver truck services" [1][2][3].

The new service is part of Union Pacific's Z train network, which is designed to provide the fastest delivery for time-sensitive freight. This strategic move underscores Union Pacific's commitment to increasing its market share in the transportation industry [1][2][3].

The launch of this intermodal service coincides with Union Pacific's acquisition of Norfolk Southern Corporation, which has created America's first true transcontinental railroad. This expanded and fully connected rail network will facilitate the new service, enhancing Union Pacific's ability to compete with trucking companies [3].

For more information on intermodal schedules, visit Union Pacific's official website at UP.com.

References:
[1] https://www.up.com/news/service/la-chicago-intermodal-it-250808
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/union-pacific-launches-new-truck-competitive-domestic-service-from-los-angeles-to-chicago-ce7c5edfd088ff27
[3] https://cdllife.com/2025/union-pacific-railroad-planning-truck-competitive-intermodal-service-from-socal-to-chicago/