WASHINGTON — Other railroads were not the only parties welcoming the Surface Transportation Board’s decision to reject the initial application for the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern mergers. Shipper groups also voiced their approval.
The board, citing three areas in which it said the almost 7,000-page application was incomplete, rejected the UP-NS application on Friday, Jan. 16 [see “Regulators reject UP-NS merger application,” Trains.com, Jan. 16, 2026]. UP and NS will have until June to file an updated application.
The National Grain and Feed Association was the only shipper organization to file comments with the STB questioning the completeness of the application. It said in a statement that it “appreciates” the board’s decision to require additional information.
“NGFA has gathered feedback and perspectives from members with varying viewpoints on the merger proposal since it was announced in July 2025,” the organization said. Based on that feedback, NGFA previously urged Union Pacific to supplement its filing last month with greater detail on how the proposed transaction would enhance competition and provide robust service assurances, including clearer justification for measures considered and rejected. …
“NGFA looks forward to continued engagement with the STB and Union Pacific to ensure any future submission addresses these concerns and delivers tangible benefits for rail customers and the agricultural supply chain.”
Also issuing a statement after Friday’s decision was the American Chemistry Council, which commended the board’s move. The group’s president, Chris Jahn, has previously voiced the ACC’s opposition to the merger [see “Chemical producers say UP-NS merger would hurt …,” Trains.com, Sept. 4, 2025].
“Given the unprecedented size and potential impacts, it is essential for the Board and all stakeholders to have the information needed to fully assess the proposal,” the ACC said in its statement. “There is too much at stake to get it wrong. …
“American industry cannot afford another mega-merger that leaves customers with fewer choices, higher prices, and declining service. ACC remains committed to working with regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure that any proposed merger serves the public interest as the law demands and protects the nation’s supply chain, economy, and manufacturing competitiveness.”
More than 60 trade associations have previously informed the STB that they are concerned about the potential impact of a UP-NS merger [see “Dozens of trade associations express concern …,” Trains.com, Nov. 25, 2025].
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