Union Pacific Recognized as Industry Leader in Intermodal Service in 2025

Railroad ranked best performing for intermodal service in 2025 surveys

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Union Pacific has been rated North America's best performing railroad for intermodal service in 2025 in the Intermodal Service Scorecard published by the Journal of Commerce. The railroad received 'good' or 'very good' ratings from 80% of respondents in the latest survey, with customers giving high marks to Union Pacific's terminal gate processes and equipment availability.

Why it matters

Union Pacific's strong intermodal service performance is a key competitive advantage, as the railroad continues to expand and enhance its intermodal offerings to better serve customers across the western United States. The recognition also comes as Union Pacific prepares to merge with Norfolk Southern, which will provide customers with enhanced single-line cross-country service and reliability.

The details

Union Pacific was ranked the best Class I railroad for performance in intermodal service in both the Journal of Commerce's spring and fall surveys for 2025. The railroad continued to expand and enhance its intermodal service last year with new offerings, including the opening of a new intermodal terminal in Kansas City, Kansas. Union Pacific also introduced new domestic intermodal service products connecting Southern California to Kansas City and Chicago, significantly boosting its intermodal capacity.

  • In 2025, Union Pacific was ranked the best Class I railroad for performance in intermodal service in both the Journal of Commerce's spring and fall surveys.
  • In August 2025, Union Pacific announced a new domestic intermodal service product, connecting the City of Industry in Southern California to the new terminal in Kansas City.
  • Also in August 2025, Union Pacific introduced a new, truck-competitive domestic intermodal service connecting Southern California's Inland Empire to Chicago.
  • In September 2025, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern announced a new domestic intermodal service connecting Union Pacific customers in western and southern markets with Norfolk Southern's modernized intermodal facilities in the Louisville area.

The players

Union Pacific

An American freight railroad that operates 32,000 miles of track in 23 western states, connecting customers and communities to the global economy.

Kenny Rocker

Union Pacific's Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales.

Journal of Commerce

A publication that publishes the Intermodal Service Scorecard, which ranked Union Pacific as the best performing railroad for intermodal service in 2025.

Norfolk Southern

A Class I railroad that Union Pacific announced a merger with in 2025, which will provide customers with enhanced single-line cross-country service and reliability.

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What they’re saying

“We put a high value on our customers and their feedback. It's why this recognition is so meaningful, because it comes from the people and businesses we serve. Our customers have choices and we're proud they trust Union Pacific to keep their supply chains moving.”

— Kenny Rocker, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales (Business Wire)

“Our intermodal service is the best in the industry, and it's going to be even stronger through our merger with Norfolk Southern. Not only is single-line cross-country service a game changer for enhanced reliability and lowering costs, but customers will also have one point of contact and one invoice.”

— Kenny Rocker, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales (Business Wire)

What’s next

The merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is expected to be finalized in the coming months, which will further enhance the combined company's intermodal service offerings and capabilities.

The takeaway

Union Pacific's recognition as the industry leader in intermodal service underscores the railroad's commitment to providing reliable, efficient, and customer-focused freight transportation. The upcoming merger with Norfolk Southern will build on this strength, creating a more robust and competitive intermodal network for businesses across the western and southern United States.