Union Pacific Working with Short Line Railroads to Expand Businesses’ Access to Rail

By: Union Pacific Railroad via Business Wire

August 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM EDT

The railroad added 15 new Focus Sites to its network; 12 of the new industrial parks are connected through short line railroads

Union Pacific Railroad announced today it has added 15 new Focus Sites across eight states to its network, with 12 of those sites located on short line railroads that will provide businesses ease of access to the railroad’s premier 32,000-mile rail network.

Focus Sites are large-scale development sites suited for custom-built warehouses or industrial facilities. These sites are railroad hubs where Union Pacific can concentrate resources, effectively manage logistics and provide targeted services for its customers.

"Our partnerships with short line railroads are helping to expand our network’s reach while providing businesses easier and faster access to our 23-state network,” said Kenny Rocker, executive vice president - Marketing and Sales. “With the help of short lines, shippers will have greater access to both domestic and global markets, including Mexico, Canada and some of the nation’s largest ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach.”

Matt Cundiff, president of Ironhorse Resources Inc., a leading transportation company that operates short line railroads, switching companies, and transload and trucking companies, said: “Union Pacific’s Focus Site program is a tremendous benefit to short line railroads and the communities they serve. By including short line-served properties, Union Pacific is spurring local economic growth and making it easier for businesses to connect to rail and reach national and global markets."

In all, Union Pacific has 39 Focus Sites across its network. The 15 new sites are in Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Washington, Wisconsin, Oregon and Texas.

In addition to Focus Sites, Union Pacific provides a Site Solutions Tool with more than 2,000 potential properties available and located within 800 meters of its rail lines. The listings are constantly updated to offer customers full visibility into available options to establish rail service with Union Pacific.

ABOUT UNION PACIFIC

Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com.