(KETV in Omaha posted the following Associated Press article on April 17.)
OMAHA, Neb. — Growth in its express shipping of perishable goods has led Union Pacific Railroad to purchase 500 new refrigeration cars and upgrade more than 2,600 already in its fleet.
Officials with the Omaha-based railroad said they would begin taking possession of the first new-technology refrigeration cars this summer. They are designed by Trinity Industries.
The new equipment holds up to 40 percent more product than conventional refrigerated cars. The new units also allow for data retrieval via satellite to monitor temperatures and fresh air exchange for such goods as onions that require circulating fresh air.
Railroad officials said the new cars would offer customers to ship highly sensitive and valuable food products in a safer, more reliable manner.