April 24, 2025 - TRA Newswire -

Union Pacific operating revenue was $6 billion in the first quarter of 2025, pretty much flat on a 7% growth in volume in their mix of business lines. Operating income was $2.4 billion for the quarter, also flat. 

 “The team delivered a solid start to the year as we worked closely with our customers to meet their needs in an uncertain environment,” said Jim Vena, Union Pacific Chief Executive Officer. “Looking to the rest of 2025, we will continue to execute our strategy that emphasizes safety, service, and operational excellence. Building on a strong foundation with our record First Quarter operating performance, we are positioned to deliver.”

Union Pacific Corporation reported 2025 first quarter net income of $1.6 billion, or $2.70 per diluted share. This compares to 2024 first quarter net income of $1.6 billion, or $2.69 per diluted share.

Vena, quoted in an employee news release, said "We achieved record first quarter operating results despite facing unexpected external dynamics thrown at us. We focused on what we can control, and our results (link to press release) prove we have what it takes to look the unexpected in the eye – and deliver."

"I was clear in my first letter that we’d run into challenges and that the road ahead wouldn’t be easy. I said I would ask a lot of you, and demand even more of myself. Together, we are proving we have the people, capabilities and tools to win", said Vena.

The CEO said that tariffs are top of mind, but he said he was confident the end result will be success for American companies and the economy. "At any given moment, products from Canada, Mexico and hundreds of countries are safely in motion on our network. From beer, grain and fertilizer to autos, steel and lumber, we move the goods Americans use every day" according to Vena. "We’ve proven we know how to manage the unexpected with confidence and consistency, which puts us in a strong position."

The Englewood Yard in Houston underwent a transformation when there was a slowdown in freight movement. A UP news release noted that the capability went from processing 1,700 freight cars a day to 3,000. "Through technology and system upgrades, we made it faster and more efficient while also strengthening the underlying rail infrastructure – replacing and installing more than eight miles of rail and nearly 23,000 ties."

The company has been working to build new business. UP onboarded the Lower Colorado River Authority, a new coal customer that it serves in the Texas Hill Country, and also welcomed Hyundai Steel Corporation to the Union Pacific network, announcing their first-ever U.S. steel mill in Louisiana.

Union Pacific's capital spending for 2025 is still pegged at $3.4 billion dollars. 

The average train was hauled 215 miles per car per day in the first quarter, which is up 6 percent from last year, while locomotive productivity improved 1%. The length of an average train increased 2% to 9,490 feet long.  

Photo credit: Union Pacific