UP, NS merger: What other railroads are saying

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After Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern refiled their merger application with the Surface Transportation Board, rail competitors were quick to comment on the submission's bona fides.

Earlier this year, the agency initially rejected the application UP and NS filed on Dec. 19, 2025, citing it as incomplete. The two rail giants refiled their application on April 30, including data aiming to support the claim that the merger will enable cost savings for shippers and strengthen supply chains.

The potential merger is being met with plenty of opposition, including from other top rail carriers. BNSF Railway, Canadian Pacific Kansas City and CSX were some of the major railroads that participated in the STB’s comment period that ended on May 8.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have responded to several comments they have received regarding the completeness of their refiled application. The two state that the amended proposal “is comprehensive and complete” and provides all the necessary information.