Union Pacific acquires Railex assets

Union Pacific Railroad has acquired Railex LLC's refrigerated and cold storage distribution assets in California, Washington and New York, the Class I announced yesterday.

The acquisition does not include Railex Wine Services LLC, according to a UP press release.

A refrigerated rail service and third-party logistics leader, Railex plays a key role in UP's food network transporting fruit, vegetables and other temperature-sensitive cargo across the United States.

"The integration of [Railex's] highly efficient cross-dock facilities and logistic capabilities into Union Pacific's broader food network allows us to offer our customers increased access to a wider capacity and service solutions in a rail-centric cold chain," said Brad Thrasher, UP's vice president and general manager – agricultural products.

UP's "Food Trains" directly serve Railex's Delano, Calif., and Wallula, Wash., facilities. UP also acquired Railex's assets in Rotterdam, N.Y.

The Food Train network provides service to Midwest consumers through Chicago and into the Northeast via CSX. Railex will continue to manage facilities during the transition and integration of its operations with UP.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.