Collaboration Strengthens Railcar Readiness
Right about now, it’s potato planting season in Idaho, America’s top producer of the nation’s most popular vegetable. Meanwhile, the state’s potatoes that have been in storage are moving on railroads in long-haul lanes, headed mainly to markets in the Midwest and beyond. Come fall, when Idaho potatoes come out of the ground, it’s peak season for transporting this produce.
Whatever the time of year, time is of the essence to maintain product quality and hit delivery windows.
Reliable delivery is directly tied to the availability of transportation at origin. For about 30 percent of the Idaho potato crop — especially for long-haul shipments — transportation availability means
railcars. Potato shippers must have these cars when they need them.
In an effort to guarantee a supply of railcars, Watco and Union Pacific joined forces last year to begin forward-staging cars where there was both a need and space for storage: in Idaho Falls. “That was our start,” said Watco Sales and Marketing Director Amy Slay, who described the collaboration. “If a customer needed a car tomorrow, we could get them a car tomorrow.”
“Union Pacific works closely – and collaboratively – with Eastern Idaho Railroad to keep product moving fluidly and on time during peak potato harvest periods,” said Robynn Tysver of Union Pacific Corporate Communications. “By working closely, and communicating frequently, we were able to ensure the required reefer cars were available to meet the seasonal increased demand. This allowed shippers to take greater advantage of rail, which is a win for both the shippers and America’s motorists.
“A single rail car holds the equivalent of three or four truckloads of product, and by choosing rail, shippers are taking trucks off our nation’s congested highways,” Tysver added.
“You have to have reliable, on-time equipment,” said Slay, “and that’s what the staging process has been able to provide.”The process has gained support. Some shippers are talking about investing capital to revamp sheds in order to better accommodate the large reefers. Orders that previously would’ve been given to trucks, had railcars not been readily available, are being captured by rail.
Shawn Boyle, president of the Idaho Grower Shippers Association (IGSA), has seen results. “We have seen a meaningful shift toward stronger collaboration and mutual understanding,” he said. “There is a renewed commitment among the IGSA, Union Pacific, Watco, and other rail partners to communicate more effectively, address challenges proactively, and work toward shared solutions.”
Boyle said the consistent engagement from rail partners is important. “It builds trust, improves responsiveness, and reinforces accountability. Today, IGSA members have greater confidence in their rail representatives and a stronger sense that we are working together — rather than independently — to support the success of the Idaho potato industry.”
Slay is pleased about the outcomes for customers.
“What I really, really love is empowering small businesses to be successful in small communities. Right? Because I think that is one of the most powerful things that we can do as a transportation services and logistics company.”