Company Again Receives Union Pacific’s Pinnacle Award

May 16, 2025 - Freeport’s ongoing work to help ensure the safe rail transportation of chemicals to and from its North America sites has again been recognized by Union Pacific with its 2024 Pinnacle Award.

The award honors companies that implement release prevention protocols, corrective action plans and had zero non-accident releases of regulated hazardous materials shipments. Freeport is one of 147 companies recognized by Union Pacific this year and was among the organizations honored the previous year.

“Union Pacific congratulates this year’s Pinnacle Award winners for their outstanding commitment to safety,” Kenny Rocker, Executive Vice President – Marketing and Sales for Union Pacific, said in a company news release. “At Union Pacific, safety is at the core of everything we do, and we are proud to partner with customers who prioritize the safe transportation of chemicals to protect the environment and the communities we serve.”

The zero non-accident stipulation in Union Pacific’s award refers to a spill or leak typically caused by an open valve, loose bolt or missing gasket. Freeport attaining zero non-accident releases in 2024 is even more impressive when factoring the volume of the company’s tank car shipments – nearly 8,500 on Union Pacific’s network and more than 12,000 total.
“It is really important that we are properly securing every bolt, every cap is attached where needed, every valve is secured on each tank car before it is offered back to the railroad,” said Angela Edgmon, Transportation Compliance Manager.

The company’s rail network encompasses seven locations in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Iowa, and consideration must be given to all points in between, Edgmon said.
“When it comes to transportation, every time we ship a hazardous material by truck or a rail car, we have to be mindful of safety beyond our property lines,” she said.
Edgmon was quick to credit those who work at the sites – loading and unloading crews and rail crews – for their focus on safety.

“They are the frontline operators who are performing the car inspections and securing the cars,” she said. “This award further demonstrates their commitment to safety.”

Photo: One of the company’s tank cars.