Combined operator would be the first to carry cargo from the west coast to the eastern seaboard on its own tracks

Deal between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would create first transcontinental operator in 200-year history of US rail

China’s state-owned shipping conglomerate Cosco in talks to join consortium

Combined operator would be the first to carry cargo from the west coast to the eastern seaboard on its own tracks

Union Pacific said on Tuesday it would buy smaller rival Norfolk in an $85 billion deal, to create the nation's first coast-to-coast freight rail operator.

Union Pacific agrees to buy Norfolk Southern, establishing a $250bn colossus with 50,000 miles of track.