In 2010, Renzenberger drivers in Chicago organized the first legitimate union in the history of the Rail Crew Hauling industry. Until then, drivers were either non-union, or trapped in corrupt employer-dominated organizations. Chicago drivers were the first in the industry to win paid time off and other benefits. They won seniority rights, protections for Road Drivers, job security and fair wage increases. Soon after, drivers from all over the country began organizing with UE.
Today drivers in New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and California are represented by UE.