Bringing Together Two Railroads to Power America’s Economy

Latest News & Perspectives

See the latest official news, updates and perspectives on The Great Connection and the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern combination.

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More Routes. More Access. More Competition.

The Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger will be an end-to-end combination with virtually no route overlap. Because of their distinct geographic service areas, the two railroads do not compete today — and regional competition would be preserved.  

The vision for the combined company is all about growth through new routes and better service for customers. By linking Union Pacific’s expansive Western network with Norfolk Southern’s unmatched access to Eastern population and manufacturing hubs, freight can bypass congested interchanges and move along the  most direct, efficient paths. Seamless coast-to-coast service will raise performance standards across the industry, spur innovation and create new shipping options — putting downward pressure on costs for businesses nationwide.  

Analysis by independent economists found the combination pro-competitive. It is expected to expand access, improve service and create downward pricing pressure for shippers.

Unifying the U.S.

The combined network will span 50,000 route miles across 43 states, connecting more than 100 ports and 10 international gateways to markets in Canada and Mexico. Six connection points will link the two complementary systems with minimal overlap — creating a transcontinental route that bridges the East-West divide and allows freight to bypass congested interchanges for the fastest, most direct path available.

For the first time, American businesses will gain a single rail partner for coast-to-coast shipments — with the reach and flexibility to compete for global freight through U.S. ports and infrastructure, rather than ceding that volume to Canadian rail corridors.

The Impact

The Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern combination will deliver measurable benefits across the supply chain, the workforce, the environment and the national economy —as outlined in the STB application and supported by independent economic analysis.

American flag on railyard showing upns merger benefit for america

Reduced supply chain costs

Faster, more efficient service

Union jobs protected. Growth creates more.

Description

Reduced highway congestion and emissions

Description

By the Numbers

88,000

New county-to-county lanes created — more options, not fewer

10,000

Existing interline lanes converted to single-line service

2.1 M

Truckloads shifted from road to rail annually

1,200

Net new union jobs expected by Year 3

$5.6B

Combined annual infrastructure reinvestment

2,000+

Letters of support — largest in STB history

$3.5B

Annual savings for shippers moving from road to rail. Lower shipping costs support affordability for all Americans.

Make Your Voice Heard

More than 2,000 businesses, unions, farmers and community leaders have already told the Surface Transportation Board why this combination matters — the largest show of support in STB history. Tell your representatives in Congress why America needs a transcontinental railroad.

Benefits described are intended and proposed, subject to STB review and approval.

Please review Union Pacific’s cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements.