UNP · 10-Q · 2026Q3 · Full report

Network Capacity and Service

UNION PACIFIC CORP · 2026-10-22 · Importance 37 · Surprise 32

Union Pacific handled 6% higher carload volume in the third quarter while freight car velocity improved 1% and terminal dwell improved 2%. The railroad leveraged capacity investments and optimized its transportation plan to handle 11% higher intermodal volume and increased grain and industrial products demand, while train length rose 2%. Mainline capacity investments and train-length initiatives supported the higher volumes. Intermodal and manifest service performance index measures declined year over year against higher three-year performance benchmarks, although the company said it continued delivering the service sold to customers.

Key facts

• UNION PACIFIC CORP handled 11% higher intermodal volume in third-quarter 2026 and improved system train length 2%. source
• UNION PACIFIC CORP freight car velocity increased 1% and terminal dwell improved 2% in third-quarter 2026 compared with third-quarter 2025. source
• UNION PACIFIC CORP third-quarter 2026 average train speed was 24.3 miles per hour versus 24.2 in 2025, and average terminal dwell was 19.9 hours versus 20.4 hours. source
• UNION PACIFIC CORP train length increased 2% in third-quarter and year-to-date 2026 compared with 2025 due to train-length initiatives, transportation plan optimization, and mainline capacity investments. source
• UNION PACIFIC CORP third-quarter 2026 intermodal service performance index declined 6 points and manifest index declined 7 points compared with 2025; both declines reflected comparison with a higher benchmark standard. source
• UNION PACIFIC CORP workforce productivity improved 5% in third-quarter and year-to-date 2026 compared with 2025, while employee levels declined 1% and 3%, respectively. source