Union Pacific

The world's largest locomotive, Union Pacific's Big Boy, completed an epic cross-country journey this summer. Ian Lee reported on the journey's details.

The Trump administration is proposing stricter English proficiency requirements for Mexican train crews operating in the U.S. to enhance safety and protect jobs. The rule, supported by major rail unions, aims to ensure crews can understand critical safety information and limits their operations to within 10 miles of the border. The Federal Railroad Administration cited inspection findings at Texas railyards as a basis for the policy.

The Trump administration is proposing stricter English proficiency requirements for Mexican train crews operating in the U.S. to ensure safety and protect American jobs. The rule, supported by rail unions, targets Union Pacific and CPKC, which were found to have crews struggling with English during inspections. The Federal Railroad Administration cited safety concerns, particularly around communication with dispatchers and emergency responders.

The Trump administration proposed stricter rules requiring Mexican train crews crossing into the U.S. to demonstrate English proficiency for safety communication. The rule limits Mexican crews to operating trains no more than 10 miles inside the U.S. and aligns with efforts to enforce English comprehension for truck drivers. Rail unions supported the move, while affected railroads like Union Pacific and CPKC did not immediately comment.

Lineage Logistics has removed 'nearly half' of food waste from its burned Boyle Heights warehouse, sealing it in deodorized containers for off-site transport. The company aims to complete cleanup within days, installing plastic sheeting and carbon filters to mitigate odors amid citations for 'ongoing odor nuisance' and unsanitary conditions.

A Union Pacific freight train derailed in downtown Austin on April 23 due to a failed locomotive power unit and slack between train cars, according to a Federal Railroad Administration incident report.

11 individuals were indicted in the smuggling deaths of six migrants found in a rail cargo container in Texas. The victims, from Honduras and Mexico, were discovered in a Laredo rail yard, with suspected heat stroke as the cause. The indictment relates to a human smuggling operation involving freight trains.

Union Pacific secured Canadian National’s support for its $85 billion plan to acquire Norfolk Southern railroad through a deal between the companies. The agreement positions Union Pacific to move forward with the acquisition.

Union Pacific secured Canadian National's support for its $85 billion plan to acquire Norfolk Southern railroad, a deal that would create the first transcontinental railroad and consolidate market power. The merger faces opposition from BNSF, CPKC, and CSX but includes concessions like CN gaining access to key tracks and rail yards to mitigate competition concerns. The U.S. Surface Transportation Board is beginning its review under strict 2001 merger standards.

Union Pacific has secured Canadian National's support for its $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern railroad, a deal that would create the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. The merger faces opposition from BNSF, CPKC, and CSX, but Canadian National will back it after receiving concessions, including access to key tracks and rail yards. The U.S. Surface Transportation Board is reviewing the merger under strict standards, with concerns about market concentration and competition.

An Arizona man was arrested after allegedly riding a moving Union Pacific locomotive in the nude in northeastern Colorado. Daniel Ray Ballance broke a window to enter the train and climbed onto its roof while it was in motion, leading to felony and misdemeanor charges.

New safety improvements, including a four-quadrant gate system, are being installed at the Nagle Avenue Metra crossing in Norwood Park following multiple fatalities and accidents since 2010. Union Pacific began construction on July 6, with completion expected by July 27, and the crossing will be closed during the work.

A 'mass casualty incident' was declared at the Berks County stop in Pennsylvania for Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive tour after dozens were treated for heat illnesses. Thousands of spectators waited in 106-degree weather at the Reading & Blue Mountain Railroad Outer Station in Reading.

A 'mass casualty incident' was declared at the Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive stop in Pennsylvania after dozens were treated for heat illnesses. The event occurred in 106-degree weather at the Reading & Blue Mountain Railroad Outer Station in Berks County.

Mesa County Search and Rescue coordinated the largest-ever evacuation of 123 campers due to the Snyder fire near the Colorado River. The effort involved collaboration with BLM rangers, CPW, local bus drivers, and Union Pacific to evacuate rafters from Ruby-Horsethief Canyon.

President Jimmy Carter signed transportation deregulation laws in the late 1970s, including the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, the 1980 Motor Carrier Act, and the Staggers Rail Act of 1980. These laws reshaped airlines, trucking, and freight rail industries, fostering economic growth through competition but also causing disruptions and safety concerns.

BNSF chief Katie Farmer warns that the $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will harm consumers by raising prices due to reduced competition.

Union Pacific executives denied private discussions with President Trump about a 15% government stake in a proposed merger with Norfolk Southern, despite Trump's public claims. The $85 billion railroad merger faces regulatory review, and Union Pacific's CFO stated the company had no such conversations with Trump, which surprised executives.

Six people died of heat stroke after being smuggled into the U.S. in a train car. The incident occurred on a Union Pacific train. The train was at a rail yard in Laredo, Texas.

At least six people believed to be immigrants were found dead inside a shipping container in Texas, with a seventh body found near railroad tracks, in what authorities are calling a 'potential human smuggling event'. The incident is being investigated by federal agents. The deaths occurred near the border with Mexico in Laredo, Texas.

A seventh body was found nearly 150 miles north of a Union Pacific rail yard in Laredo, where six bodies were discovered on Sunday afternoon, possibly tied to shipping container deaths. The discovery was made by Texas authorities. The total number of bodies found is now seven.

Six people were found dead inside a cargo train boxcar at a Union Pacific rail yard in Laredo, Texas, near the Mexico border. The individuals, five men and one woman, were discovered by workers inspecting one of the cars. Autopsies will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Six people were found dead inside a boxcar at a rail yard near the Texas-Mexico border on Sunday afternoon. The discovery was made by a Union Pacific employee before the train continued its journey north. The incident occurred in Laredo, Texas.

Six people were found dead inside a cargo train boxcar in Laredo, Texas. The discovery was made on a Union Pacific freight train. The company expressed sadness over the incident.

Multiple bodies were found in a Union Pacific boxcar at a Texas railyard, with details about the incident still emerging. The discovery was made at the railyard, and authorities are investigating the cause of death. Further information is pending as the investigation unfolds.

Multiple bodies were found in a Union Pacific boxcar at a Texas railyard. The discovery was made at the railyard, but the exact number of bodies and their identities have not been released. The incident is currently under investigation.