Union Pacific and Short Line primed for growth in Kansas City

A new agreement between Union Pacific Railroad and Jaguar Transport Holdings LLC, a leading short line railroad company, is geared for long-term growth in the heart of Kansas City.

Union Pacific leased 12 acres of land and approximately four miles of track to Jaguar Transport in central Kansas City, a move that will enhance customer service and support regional economic growth.

“Jaguar has a proven track record of providing premier customer service, and we believe this operating change will be a boon to the local economy,” said Kenny Rocker, executive vice president – Marketing and Sales for Union Pacific. “Both parties have high expectations for growth under this exciting new deal.”

The change will allow Union Pacific to focus on fast, reliable long-haul service from the Kansas City site, while Jaguar will offer five-day-a-week, short-haul services to customers on the industrial track.

“Our new business partnership with Union Pacific will create operational efficiencies and unique economic opportunities for the region, allowing local businesses in the greater Kansas City area faster and easier access to Union Pacific’s leading rail network,” said Tim Enayati, senior vice president of commercial development for Jaguar Transport Holdings.

Jaguar Transport, which began operating the line March 5, created a new short line railroad for the venture: the Kansas City West Bottoms Railroad.

In addition to its short line operation, the company is finalizing construction of a new transload facility on site that will open later this month, with 23 rail car spots. They also own a 244,000-square-foot warehouse adjacent to the site that is capable of cold and dry storage and is served by rail.

“We’re thrilled this opportunity is happening in Missouri and Kansas, two states that have been great partners and longtime supporters of the railroad industry.” Enayati said.

The new site under development is strategically located on the Kansas/Missouri border, with half of the site bordered by the Central Industrial District in Kansas and the other half next to the West Bottoms District in Missouri.

It is situated for ease of access right off the Interstate-70 exit and next to two other busy interstates in Kansas City: I-670 and I-35.