ST. LOUIS – Anheuser-Busch is partnering with with Union Pacific and Doll Distributing, one of the largest beverage distributors in the Midwest, to transport product from its breweries in Colorado and Missouri to wholesalers across the country. Anheuser-Busch purchased 240 new insulated rail cars to move beverages on UP. The cars are equipped with GPS, temperature monitoring and other technology. The technology on the cars will allow warehouses to track shipments and plan their work accordingly. In addition, Doll Distributing worked with UP to get its track and new facilities up to code. Over 3,500 over-the-road loads will move onto UP’s network.
“Union Pacific is excited to be partnering with Anheuser-Busch to provide an efficient and economical way to transport their products on rail,” said Bess Jones, UP senior manager – marketing and sales.
Along with shipments that will go to Doll Distributing in Iowa, Anheuser-Busch will also increase shipments from breweries in St. Louis and Fort Collins, Colo., to Portland, Ore., and the Twin Cities. Jones estimates this year more than 2,000 carloads will be transported via UP. “This partnership is a great example of how converting over-the-road to rail is a big win for both companies,” Jones says.
In the 1870s, Anheuser-Busch founder Adolphus Busch pioneered the use of refrigerated rail cars to transport the company’s product. This move set Budweiser on a course to becoming one of the first major, national beer brands.
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