Yahoo Financeยท2025-09-15 15:29Core Viewpoint - Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have launched a new domestic intermodal service to enhance competition among Class I railroads and support economic growth in the U.S. [1][4] Group 1: Service Details - The new service is set to launch in mid-October and aims to provide truck-competitive transit times across various sectors, including automotive, consumer goods, food and beverage, healthcare, and manufacturing [2]. - The bi-directional service will operate from the Louisville market, interchanging between NS and UP in Kansas City, with destinations including Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Houston [3]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern to develop innovative interline service products, which also includes freight movement from Los Angeles to Charlotte and Jacksonville [4]. - The service enhancements are designed to meet customer demands for reliable freight solutions and to alleviate congestion on highways by providing competitive alternatives to truck transport [5]. Group 3: Infrastructure Investments - Union Pacific has invested $1.4 billion since 2021 to upgrade intermodal services, including the opening of four new terminals and modernization of 12 others [6]. - Norfolk Southern is also expanding its Louisville hub to increase parking and track capacity for domestic services, reflecting a commitment to customer feedback and strategic infrastructure planning [6]. Group 4: Operational Efficiency - Recent changes in Union Pacific's network operations have enabled domestic containers to move 25% faster, resulting in a potential savings of up to 25 hours in transit time between Southern California and Kansas City Intermodal Terminal [5].