UP to Launch Southern California Terminal

Union Pacific (UP) will open a new intermodal terminal located near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in second-quarter 2021 to expand shipper access to Chicago, Ill., and other key markets.

UP reported that it will initially offer a “pop-up” terminal at its West Colton rail yard, and that domestic intermodal service will launch between Southern California and Chicago, with expected future service to Dallas, Tex., and the southeast markets.

“We are excited to expand our intermodal presence and do it where we can reduce truck traffic on California’s highways, cut drayage costs and compete effectively for domestic intermodal freight,” UP Executive Vice President Marketing and Sales Kenny Rocker said. The new “Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal demonstrates our commitment to intermodal and the strength of Union Pacific’s franchise to grow quickly and strategically using our existing footprint.”

In January 2021, UP’s new Twin Cities Intermodal Terminal in Minneapolis opened with domestic intermodal service connecting the Twin Cities and Los Angeles.