Union Pacific is making intermodal shipping smarter and enhancing visibility with a new GPS-powered platform developed by supply chain technology partner Blume Global.
GPS tracking is now embedded in Union Pacific’s 53-foot EMP and UMAX domestic containers, which are owned in partnership with other Class I railroads. Together, the combined fleets represent the largest GPS-enabled, rail-owned container fleet in North America. Central to the upgrade is Blume’s enhanced GPS intermodal platform, providing customers with real-time, smarter visibility into their shipments.
Key benefits for customers:
- Real-time notifications for critical deliveries
- Instantaneous alerts for load/empty and location status, reducing street dwell time (the time period a container is outside of the ramp in the customer’s possession, either loaded or empty)
- Customized geofencing, technology that creates virtual boundaries around real-world locations to enhance street visibility for optimal asset utilization
- Streamlined communication, resulting in fewer phone calls and manual updates
- Application Programming Interface (API) connectivity for full data integration
These tools help customers resolve issues faster, plan more effectively and reduce manual follow-ups, leading to an enhanced and reliable shipping experience.
“This is another meaningful step as we deliver the best customer experience possible,” said Kenny Rocker, executive vice president-Marketing and Sales, Union Pacific Railroad. “By combining GPS-enabled containers with real-time data and smarter visibility tools, we’re providing the transparency and reliability our customers depend on.”