Maersk has rerouted about 59% of its Southern California outbound containers, roughly 1,000 TEUs weekly, from BNSF to Union Pacific’s Sunset Route, boosting UP’s share from single digits since late May. This shift comes as UP’s share topped 76% by early June, expanding its intermodal volume on key transcontinental corridors.
In late May, Maersk rerouted the majority of its eastbound intermodal containers from the Port of Los Angeles-Long Beach onto Union Pacific’s Sunset Route, moving approximately 1,000 TEUs weekly. Union Pacific’s share of Maersk’s Southern California outbound volume rose from single digits to about 59% within weeks.
Data shows UP’s share surpassed 50% by the week of June 1 and climbed to roughly 76% by June 8 out of a total 100,559 TEUs transported along the corridor since late May. Shipments primarily flow via UP’s Long Beach-to-Chicago and Long Beach-to-Dallas services.
The shift aligns with peak shipping season demand and strengthens UP’s intermodal presence ahead of its proposed transcontinental merger with Norfolk Southern. Meanwhile, BNSF faces reduced volume and may need to adjust contract terms or service offerings to retain intermodal business.
