Union Pacific Railroad is set to roll out a new intermodal rail service between Southern California and Chicago, starting September 3, 2025.

The details: This new service will run between the Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal in California and Chicago’s Global 2 Intermodal Terminal. Union Pacific says it will be 20% faster than current options for the same route.

• The intermodal service is billed as "truck competitive," promising to compete directly with team-driver lanes.
• It will operate five days a week at first, with possible expansion later if demand kicks up.
• The service is part of Union Pacific’s Z train network, meant for time-sensitive freight.

Union Pacific's new reach comes after its recent takeover of Norfolk Southern, forming the country’s first true transcontinental railroad, reported Business Wire.

Kenny Rocker, executive vice president of Marketing and Sales at Union Pacific, said the service is about providing “consistent, reliable and truck-competitive transportation” for shippers.

The launch date for the new service is September 3, 2025.