COVID-19 deeply affected the global supply chain and illustrated the critical role railroads play in transporting America’s goods. It taught us several lessons as we worked through its disruptive impacts. We learned how different people adapt in times of crisis, including our employees and customers and consumers who are critical to the economy.
Every Union Pacific employee was touched, either directly or indirectly, by the pandemic. Lower volume meant less work and furloughs. The disruption to schools meant parents had to find ways to look after children of all ages while continuing to work and keep America’s supply chains moving. All of our employees had to create new habits — wearing a mask, social distancing, working remotely, meeting in smaller groups — and it all added to the stress.
I expect several impacts to last. First, COVID-19 is not under control and likely won’t be until next year, which means our safety protocols will remain in place. Second, the shift in consumers using e-commerce is likely here to stay. Third, the industrial economy needs consumers to feel confident enough to buy big things, and while they have been coming back, it’s at a slower pace than before COVID-19 struck.
Union Pacific is focused on the things we can control or impact. We’re relentlessly pursuing a safer, more reliable, and more efficient operation. We’re constantly enhancing the customer experience and developing business aggressively. Additionally, we are constantly reminding ourselves to act with grace and patience when it comes to each other. Now more than ever, we need to build relationships, lean on each other, and trust that there is a back side of COVID‑19, and it will arrive.