Union Pacific, one of the largest freight railroad operators, said it will suspend service between the West Coast and Chicago due to congestion, according to a spokesperson for the railroad. “We believe this change will allow the transportation supply chain to begin working off the backlog of Global IV destined trains, while freeing up railcar assets to support import loading needs on the West Coast,” a spokesperson for the railroad told SupplyChainDive. “We are working closely with the ocean carriers and collaborating wherever possible to improve the health of the supply chain.” The railroad, according to the spokesperson, is dealing with “significant congestion” around its terminals, namely in Chicago’s Global IV gateway. Union Pacific’s suspension will also help ocean carriers reduce backlogs in shipping that were incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, a spokesperson told FreightWaves. The halt will last for about a week, starting on Sunday, July 18. The suspension …