Union Pacific and Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) on Dec. 10 announced plans for G&W’s Class II Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad, Inc. (CORP) to handle local service out of Union Pacific’s Eugene Yard in Oregon, subject to Surface Transportation Board approval.
Union Pacific said the transfer of local service to CORP allows it “to reduce the number of times a railcar is handled and create greater efficiencies, while providing more flexibility and agility for both railroads to meet current customer needs and anticipated growth, enhancing customer service for local businesses and supporting regional economic growth.”
Union Pacific and G&W noted both companies “are working with customers to ensure a smooth transition once the plan takes effect.” Union Pacific added it has been in contact with employees impacted by the change, “providing information about continued employment opportunities, including potential openings at CORP or other G&W railroads. Union Pacific employees who deliver goods over longer distances will continue to work out of Eugene Yard.”
CORP, which G&W acquired in 2012 as part of its purchase of RailAmerica, operates 306 miles of line, 58 in California, 248 in Oregon. The railroad interchanges with Union Pacific at two locations—Eugene, Ore. (Springfield Junction, UP Brooklyn Subdivision) and Black Butte, Calif. (UP Black Butte Subdivision)—and with Flat Iron Rail at Montague, Calif.; and Rogue Valley Terminal Railroad, White City, Ore.
“G&W has a proven track record in operational flexibility and providing excellent customer service,” said Union Pacific Executive Vice President of Operations Eric Gehringer. “Those strengths, combined with Union Pacific’s unmatched franchise and access to critical markets nationwide, position us to provide customers with the service we sold them and grow together.”
“Union Pacific can count on CORP to operate their Eugene, Oregon, yard safely and efficiently,” said G&W CEO Michael Miller. “In partnership with Union Pacific, our team is ready to deliver the customer-centric first- and last-mile rail service that customers have come to rely on from G&W railroads so that we can grow together.”
