COVID-related absenteeism and the vaccination requirements for crossing the border have added to that list of issues, .. Some feedlot owners also say they’re not sure the railway understands the urgency of the situation.
The problem is they’re competing with other things that are being shipped by rail. Couple years ago, there were several dozen Union Pacific engines sitting idle outside of Missouri Valley, Iowa. Now there are none. Gas prices go higher, train traffic becomes more competitive.