By locating the tapered container on top of the first container of a double-stack freight train, UP says aerodynamic drag will be cut thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Arrowedge has been under development for several years and is an employee-designed initiative to improve the efficiency of double-stack train operation. UP already has two US patents for Arrowedge and additional patents are pending both in the United States and Canada.
"Arrowedge represents Union Pacific's focus on pioneering technology for operational and environmentally-sustainable gains that ultimately result in enhanced customer service and community stewardship," says Mr Mike Iden, UP's general director, car and locomotive engineering.
