Union Pacific Is Rolling Out 50 Bigger-Payload Reefers

Union Pacific Railroad, Omaha, Neb., has introduced a new refrigerated boxcar featuring Thermo King Smart Reefer technology, satellite remote monitoring and a dramatically increased payload capacity.

The unit, on display Feb. 22-23 during the Western Frozen Food convention in Monterey, Calif., made its initial run that same week with a load of Birds Eye spinach destined for the East Coast. Stan Zbylut, business director, refrigerated products, Union Pacific, said 50 of the new reefers should be on line by the end of the year.

The higher cubic capacity will help make rail more competitive with other means of transport and help Western growers get into new markets more cost-efficiently, according to Patrick P. Pensick, business manager, refrigerated products. He added that new technology in the new unit will offer improved product integrity and reliability.

The reefer, developed in cooperation with Dallas-based Trinity Industries, has a total payload of 183,000 pounds and 7,296 cubic feet vs. 130,000 pounds and 4,253 cubic feet, respectively, for standard units.

The seamless, lightweight body is made from DuPont's high-strength fiberglass with vinyl resin, and there is a five-inch urethane foam insulating core between the skins.

Other features: ARINC satellite units for remote monitoring, lightweight doors for easy loading/ unloading, odor/corrosion resistance, steel underframing and end-of-car cushioning.