WASHINGTON — A decision made by the Surface Transportation Board on Dec. 30, 2022, ordered the Union Pacific Railroad Co. (UP) to deliver on specific service commitments to Foster Farms, a subsidiary of Atlas Holdings.

The board issued the decision after Foster Farms filed a petition for emergency service on Dec. 29, 2022. In its complaint, Foster Farms noted continued deterioration in rail service from UP.

To meet Foster Farms’ service needs, UP will deliver train sets of animal feed to the poultry processor on a specified time schedule to avoid potential loss of livestock. UP is required to notify Foster Farms and the Surface Transportation Board of any scheduling conflicts.

The Surface Transportation Board also required UP to provide a status update to the board by Jan. 3.

Foster Farms’ recent call for emergency service follows an earlier emergency service order in June 2022. The order was extended until July 1, 2022, and eventually the board decided to leave the docket open through Jan. 20 “in the event that further action is necessary,” the Surface Transportation Board said.