Great observation — the shift in Union Pacific (UP) traffic on the BNSF Marceline Subdivision has caught the attention of many railfans. While there’s no single public statement from UP or BNSF explaining the reduction, several factors likely contributed:
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Operational and Strategic Changes
- **Congestion and Service Optimization**: Around 2022, both UP and BNSF began reducing the number of railcars in their networks to address congestion and service reliability issues. This included rerouting or consolidating intermodal and autorack traffic to more efficient corridors.
- **Labor Constraints and Inventory Surges**: Rising inventory levels and labor shortages pushed railroads to streamline operations, which may have led UP to favor its own lines or other shared corridors over the Marceline Sub.
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Trackage Rights and Agreements
- **Contractual Adjustments**: UP’s access to the Marceline Sub is based on trackage rights agreements with BNSF. These agreements can be renegotiated or scaled back depending on traffic needs, cost-sharing, or strategic priorities. While no public dispute has been reported, it's possible that UP reduced its usage voluntarily or due to changes in terms.
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Infrastructure and Routing Preferences
- **Alternative Routes**: UP has its own mainlines that may offer better capacity or connectivity for certain traffic types. As intermodal and autorack volumes fluctuate, UP might reroute trains to optimize fuel costs, crew availability, or terminal access.
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Remaining UP Trains
- The ZCIG4 and ZG4CI (Cicero–Global 4 intermodal trains) are still regulars on the Marceline Sub, likely due to their strategic importance and scheduling compatibility with BNSF operations.
If you're tracking train movements, Virtual Railfan cams at La Plata, MO, and Fort Madison, IA, are great tools to monitor current traffic patterns on the Marceline Sub.
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You're welcome.
