UP garners more recognition for military hiring efforts

Military Times EDGE magazine has named Union Pacific Railroad among the 40 "Best for Vets Employers" for 2014. Ranked No. 5, UP landed in the top 10 for the fourth consecutive year.

The railroad made the list based on its recruiting, mentoring, on-the-job training and spouse employment involving veterans. Last year, UP hired more than 800 military veterans, including 95 disabled vets, who accounted for about 25 percent of all 2013 new hires. Since 2005, 24 percent of the Class I's hires have been veterans, who now comprise one-fifth of the company's workforce.

"The skills veterans gain during military service can translate well into successful and rewarding railroad careers," said Roy Schroer, UP's vice president of human resources, in a press release. "Veterans play a key role in nearly every aspect of Union Pacific, and we take pride in recruiting, retaining and developing our veteran employees."

Military Times EDGE develops the rankings based on answers to questions in its annual survey about recruiting connected to the military, company policies related to veterans, reservists and their families, and an organization’s culture. The magazine ranked insurance firm USAA No. 1 for 2014 and Verizon, No. 2.