Union Pacific Corporation and Norfolk Southern Corporation said their proposed combination to create America's first transcontinental railroad gained momentum after the Surface Transportation Board unanimously denied merger opponents' requests to dismiss the companies' revised merger application. With those requests rejected, the board can continue its review of what the companies call the most comprehensive merger analysis ever submitted in support of a major rail transaction, and the railroads said the combined network would remove more than 2 million truckloads from taxpayer-funded highways. Separately, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation's Railroad Mechanical Department entered a jobs-for-life agreement with the railroads, giving the merger the support of a majority of unions representing Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern employees. Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena said the momentum behind the transaction continues to build, while Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George said the combination will create new opportunities for customers across merchandise, bulk and intermodal markets. The transaction remains subject to Surface Transportation Board review and approval and to continued board oversight after closing, with the companies expecting completion in the second half of 2027.
Norfolk Southern CorporationSTB rejected dismissal requests, allowing Norfolk Southern's merger application with Union Pacific to proceed through regulatory review.
Union Pacific CorporationSTB unanimously denied requests to dismiss Union Pacific's revised merger application, advancing its transcontinental combination with Norfolk Southern.
