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Rail News Home Union Pacific Railroad 2/3/2017 Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad's board yesterday approved a 2017 capital plan of $3.1 billion, down $400 million from last year's plan.The 2017 plan includes $300 million for the railroad's ongoing implementation of positive train control, UP officials said in a press release."The 2017 capital plan reflects our continued commitment to safety, productivity and future profitable growth," said UP Chief Financial Officer Rob Knight in a press release. "Our capital investments serve a critical role in adding value for our customers and shareholders."Most Class Is expect to spend less on capital expenditures, Progressive Railroading reported last week. However, Canadian Pacific has announced a 6 percent increase in its 2017 capex budget, while Norfolk Southern Corp. expects to spend about the same this year. Meanwhile, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) announced this week that the freight railroad industry will spend about $22 billion on capex in 2017. The railroads' investments will include upgraded track and locomotives, as well as advanced technology designed to meet demand and improve railroad safety, according to an AAR press release. Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff. More News from 2/3/2017

2/3/2017    

Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad

Rail News Home Union Pacific Railroad 1/27/2017 Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad's employee injury rate declined 14 percent last year compared with the 2015 rate, marking the railroad's best annual employee-safety rate, UP reported Wednesday.The company's employee reportable injury rate is measured by injuries for every 200,000 employee hours worked. UP's rate declined from 0.87 in 2015 to 0.75 in 2016."Union Pacific's employees achieved an incredible milestone reflecting their dedication to operating safely in work areas and the communities we serve," said Rod Doerr, vice president – safety, in a press release. "This unrelenting focus ensures everyone goes home safely as we work toward our ultimate goal of zero accidents."Additionally, UP posted a 3 percent improvement in its 2016 derailment rate compared with 2015. The reportable rail equipment incident rate per million train miles dropped from 3.10 in 2015 to 3.02 in 2016.The Class I applies a variety of safety and risk mitigation activities, such as the "Courage to Care" program that encourages employees to "look out for their peers and 'stop the line' on any operation that could result in an incident," UP officials said. The railroad also occasionally stops systemwide operations for "safety stand-downs," during which employees have candid discussions about safety. Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff. More News from 1/27/2017

1/27/2017    

Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad

Rail News Home Union Pacific Railroad 1/19/2017 Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad today reported fourth-quarter 2016 net income rose 2 percent to $1.1 billion, or $1.39 per diluted share, compared with net income in fourth-quarter 2015.Operating revenue in Q4 2016 slipped 1 percent to $5.2 billion compared with the same period a year ago, according to a UP press release.The Class I beat analysts' expectations for Q4 earnings. "While full-year volumes were down substantially year over year, we did see declines moderate in the fourth quarter," said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific chairman, president and chief executive officer. "As we worked through the challenges of the year, we remained focused on the strategy we live each day through our six value tracks. Executing on these value tracks enables us to run a safe, efficient and productive railroad while providing our customers an excellent value proposition."Fourth-quarter business volumes, as measured by total revenue carloads, declined 3 percent in the quarter compared with 2015. Although agricultural product shipments rose 8 percent, volumes fell in UP's five remaining business groups. UP's 62 percent operating ratio improved 1.2 points compared with the operating ratio in Q4 2015.By business group, Q4 freight revenue rose 7 percent in agricultural products; remained flat in chemicals and intermodal; fell 2 percent in industrial products; and declined 6 percent in both automotive and coal.For full-year 2016, UP reported net income of $4.2 billion, or $5.07 per diluted share, compared with $4.8 billion, or $5.49 per diluted share in 2015, representing 11 and 8 percent decreases, respectively. Operating revenue totaled $19.9 billion as compared to $21.8 billion in 2015. Operating income totaled $7.3 billion, down 10 percent compared to 2015.Also last year, freight revenue fell 9 percent to $18.6 billion compared with 2015. Carloadings last year slipped 7 percent compared with the previous year, with declines in UP's chemicals, coal, industrial products and intermodal business groups.UP's operating ratio for full-year 2016 rose to 63.5 percent, which was 0.4 points higher than the full-year record set in 2015.Looking ahead to this year, UP is "fairly optimistic about some of the macro-economic indicators that drive our core business," said Fritz."Higher energy prices, favorable agricultural markets and improving business and consumer confidence all support a return to positive volume growth this year," Fritz said. "We continue to have confidence in the strength and diversity of the Union Pacific franchise, which will position us well to safely and efficiently leverage stronger volumes as our markets begin to rebound." Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff. More News from 1/19/2017

1/19/2017    

Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad

1/10/2017    

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1/4/2017    

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12/22/2016    

Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad

12/14/2016    

Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad

11/18/2016    

Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad

Rail News Home Union Pacific Railroad November 2016 Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad
— By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., EditorOn Oct. 2-4, the Railway Supply Institute (RSI) and Coordinated Mechanical Associations (CMA) held their 2016 Rail Expo & Technical Conference at CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Neb. The event featured more than 50 educational and technical sessions, and 126 exhibits. It drew nearly 1,300 attendees, according to RSI.
Pat Foran

11/14/2016    

Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad

11/10/2016    

Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad

10/20/2016    

Rail News: Union Pacific Railroad