The proposed merger between UP-NS plans to combine the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern rail systems to form a transcontinental network costing $85 billion.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Union Pacific in $85B Norfolk talks with Trump
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern logos are seen in this illustration taken August 5, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

UP-NS merger review timeline disputed

The Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railways petitioned the Surface Transport Board (STB) to trim their 390-day review timeline by 45 days. They presented the case on October 20 because both companies have been working together on the merger application that is expected in late November or early December.

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The two companies said their review confirmed that the structure of the end-to-end transaction avoids any complicated operating or competition problems. They presented a 345-day process that meets the efficiency goals set out under the STB under the Patrick Fuchs administration and the Trump administration’s regulatory streamlining policy.

In a related interview, the CEO of UP, Jim Vena, argued that the merger is pro-competitive and should proceed quickly. The companies also requested specific deadlines for hearings, commenting periods, and final decisions.

UP-NS merger opposition from competitors

Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), and BNSF Railway began campaigns urging shippers to oppose the merger between the UP and the NS. They believe the merger is unnecessary and fails the national interest.

“The STB should take as long as 17 months to review the proposed purchase,” said CPKC CEO Keith Creel. This timeframe is similar to the STB review process when CP completed the acquisition of KCS in 2023. According to Creel, the proposed purchase should not be considered solely end-to-end since the routes of both the UP and the NS overlap in Chicago, Memphis, St. Louis, and the city of New Orleans.

Creel expressed concern about fewer routes to choose from as less competition and gave the example of the refusal of the UP in 2023 to permit the use of KCS transport rights south of Beaumont, Texas, by CPKC. In July 2025, the STB decided in the case filed by CPKC.

Creel also mentioned that some freight carriers are afraid of retribution as the concern has been passed down through trade groups. Simultaneously, CPKC, BNSF, and CSX are getting together for interline services between the cities of Dallas and Atlanta.

Source: www.freightwaves.com

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What is the UP-NS merger?

It is an $85 billion plan to combine Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern into a single transcontinental rail network under Surface Transportation Board review.

Why are other railroads opposing the UP-NS merger?

Canadian National, CPKC, and BNSF say it could reduce competition in key markets and give the new system too much market power.

How long could the review take?

UP and NS want a 345-day timeline, but CPKC and others recommend up to 17 months for the Surface Transportation Board to complete its review.

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