UP's Transformation Beyond the Unified Plan
Union Pacific Railroad has nearly finished implementing its version of precision scheduled railroading called the Unified Plan. Yet when it comes to progress made in deriving promised operational improvements from the plan, UP leaders are left intoning the famous Wendy's commercial tagline from the 1980s: Where's the beef? They are seeking more evidence of high productivity, fluidity and efficiency.
So, UP leaders are emphasizing cultural mindset changes to get all employees in lockstep to help drive more service improvements and incremental traffic growth. Collaboration among different teams in different departments is resulting in finding new ways to operate and attract business. Those efforts so far have helped lead to the development of an online Port Optimizer tool that enables the monitoring of a container's interior during shipment, and the creation of a new intermodal service in the Upper Midwest that's faster and more reliable.
To chronicle the ideas behind the cultural shift, the results so far and the goals going forward, Managing Editor Jeff Stagl engages conversations with key high-ranking UP executives, including CMO Kenny Rocker, CIO Rahul Jalali, COO Eric Gehringer, CLO Craig Richardson and CHRO Beth Whited.
MOW:
Vegetation Management/Equipment Services
Keeping vegetation growth in check is a primary maintenance-of-way goal for railroads and transit authorities. In addition to ensuring tracks remain clear of weeds and brush, effective vegetation management programs enable maintenance crews to work safely and avoid slips, trips and falls. This month, we check in with a cross-section of equipment and service providers for updates on what they're offering to help customers stay ahead of the weed and brush curve.
C&S Technology Update:
Rail Crew Management Software
Who's offering what in this specific software application? What's new? Tried and true? A sampling of software providers share their latest offerings.
Note: All editorial topics are subject to change without notice.
Mike Singler
Regional Sales Manager
815-302-7055
mike.singler@tradepress.com