Railroad cites ongoing provide-chain difficulties, suggests tour will be rescheduled when operations get well
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Union Pacific has postponed its planned tour this summer season for Big Boy No. 4014, citing a have to have to “focus on initiatives to simplicity supply chain congestion.”
The journey to the Pacific Northwest through Northern California experienced been scheduled to start out June 26. The railroad mentioned it would announce up-to-date plans at the time service effectiveness ranges return to ordinary.
“We know numerous rail lovers make journey plans and communities get ready to act as host, which is why we manufactured this final decision now,” Scott Moore, senior vice president-corporate relations, and chief administrative officer, said in an e-mail to users of Union Pacific’s Steam Club. “We have a duty to carry on our initiatives to cut down provide chain congestion and give buyers the provider they are entitled to presented the impression of a steam tour on our functions that concentrate will have to be our precedence.”
In the course of a quarterly earnings connect with with traders and analysts on Thursday, Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz claimed strengthening service “has our whole and undivided attention” just after a quarter that observed trip approach compliance for intermodal and carload targeted visitors drop by 6%, while auto velocity fell 5% [see “Union Pacific earnings improve despite congestion …,” Trains News Wire, April 21, 2022]. The railroad has also announced a shift to decrease the variety of privately owned cars and trucks functioning on its program in an work to deal with congestion [see “Union Pacific to begin metering traffic …,” News Wire, April 12, 2022].
“We are at an inflection issue, and far more critical action is essential,” Executive Vice President of Functions Eric Gehringer stated in the course of Thursday’s call.
UP is also one of four railroads purchased to surface before the Area Transportation Board for a hearing on company challenges amongst Class I railroads [see “Federal regulators to hold hearings …,” News Wire, April 7, 2022]. That hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 26, and Wednesday, April 27.
