UP-NS merger puts intermodal giants on the wrong side of the map

Intermodal train entering yard with skyscrapers in distance

The proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger leaves three major intermodal customers — J.B. Hunt, Schneider, and STG Logistics — in the awkward position of having their tents pitched in the wrong railroad camps. J.B. Hunt, the largest domestic truckload intermodal operator, uses BNSF Railway in the West and relies primarily on Norfolk Southern in the […]

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Schumer, leader of Senate Democrats, speaks out against UP-NS merger

Man at podium

WASHINGTON — Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the Senate Democratic leader, has spoken out against the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger. In remarks Thursday (July 31, 2025) on the Senate floor, Schumer said approval of the merger “would cut down the industry from four major players to just three, pushing us even further down the road […]

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Influential shipper group: No rail mergers without better service, pricing, and competition

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Industrial Transportation League said today that rail shippers will not support a transcontinental railroad merger unless it’s accompanied by improvements in service, pricing, and competition. “Despite the promises that rail customers would benefit from mergers through more efficient service, in reality captive rail customers must pay increasingly higher prices for […]

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UP, NS plan to make formal merger filing by January 2026

Train crossing bridge over canal

WASHINGTON — Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern plan to file their merger application with the Surface Transportation Board on or before Jan, 29, 2026, according to a notice of intent filed with the Surface Transportation Board today (July 30, 2025). That notice of intent, also known as a prefiling notification, is required under the board’s […]

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Rail Passengers Association expresses concern over UP-NS merger plans

An Amtrak train and a Union Pacific train run parallel to one another

WASHINGTON — The Rail Passengers Association said today it will be “actively involved in protecting the rights of passengers” as the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger is considered by the Surface Transportation Board. Amtrak had no comment on the merger announcement. Neither did commuter rail operator Metra, which has been involved in a lengthy legal and […]

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Two unions announce opposition to UP-NS merger (revised)

Freight train at diamond with bridges in background

Two unions — the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, and the Transport Workers Union of America — have announced their opposition to the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger proposed today by the two railroads. SMART said it will oppose the merger when it goes to the Surface Transportation Board for approval, […]

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Machinists Union announces tentative agreement with Union Pacific

Logo of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers has reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with Union Pacific, the union announced today (July 29, 2025). IAM’s District 19 represents approximately 1,300 UP workers. Details of the agreement were not announced; union members will receive more information soon and are […]

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