Record coal trains for UP in May

Record coal trains for UP in May    Union Pacific Railroad said it loaded a record 1,090 coal trains in May on its Southern Powder River Basin (SPRB) Joint Line with BNSF Railway Co.
   May’s performance represents an increase of 205 more trains compared to May 2005 when derailments and unstable track conditions occurred after severe weather.
   “We value our coal franchise and are working hard to move our customers’ goods during a period of unprecedented demand for coal,” said Jack Koraleski, UP’s executive vice president, marketing and sales. “Our strategic investments in our railroad infrastructure, equipment, people and technology are helping us to move more trains for our customers.”
   Total SPRB Joint Line loadings for the first five months of 2006 increased by 500 trains to 9,748 trains from 9,248 trains in the same period 2005.
   In May, UP and BNSF announced a $100 million capacity expansion plan to add 40 miles of third and fourth main line tracks on the SPRB Joint Line.