tensions in between freight railways and their shipping customers remain high even as the rail networks seem to be running more smoothly. The Wall Street Journal reports that the latest flash point in a difficult year for rail travel is a dispute between Union Pacific and poultry giant Foster Farms.
The conflict has reached federal authorities, and the Surface Transportation Board has ordered the railroad to supply five trains to avert a significant loss of California livestock.
Rail freight has improved significantly over the past year after pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, staffing shortages and spikes in demand disrupted the flow of goods. However, shippers are still nervous about service issues and have complained to regulators that efficiency efforts, including downsizing and an operational plan known as Precision Railroading, have eroded service.
Storms have sparked recent troubles, Union Pacific says, but Foster Farms says things have gotten worse because of “systemic issues.”
