The new switchers will reduce particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen emissions by more than 90 percent during operations when compared to older locomotives.
Tier 4 technology is the EPA’s cleanest locomotive emissions standard. Utilizing its multiengine Genset locomotive, Union Pacific said it is the only Class I railroad operating Tier 4 switchers and is the first Class I to pursue Tier 4 repowers.
“Reducing diesel emissions is an essential element of the Air District’s continuing efforts to protect public health in communities that are highly impacted by the Bay Area’s freight movement infrastructure,” said Jack Broadbent, Air District executive officer. “The Air District is pleased to assist Union Pacific in switching their locomotives to meet the cleanest national air emission standards.”
The new single-engine locomotives are designed to ultimately replace the Genset concept Union Pacific pioneered in 2005.
“The new low-power switchers will be an invaluable addition to our fleet,” said Mike Iden, Union Pacific director of locomotive engineering. “The coordination with Progress Rail and our partnerships with the Air Districts are pivotal in ensuring this new technology comes online to provide environmental benefits to our California operations.”
Funding for the initiative was made possible through the Proposition 1B: Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program, a partnership between the California Air Resources Board and local Air Districts, aimed at incentivizing freight-moving equipment owners to upgrade to cleaner technologies.
The switcher units currently are being repowered at a Progress Rail facility in Patterson, Ga., and will start joining Union Pacific’s yard locomotive fleet in the Bay Area and Sacramento later this year.
Union Pacific has worked closely with Progress Rail since 2015 on an updated, emission-reducing Tier 4 switcher design. The companies are working together during the switcher’s demonstration operations and in-service verification testing taking place in Union Pacific’s Industry, Calif., rail yard.
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now