Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern Named Top Railroads on Fortune’s Most Admired List
The end-to-end combination of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will bring together two best-in-class railroads to deliver more for American workers, shippers, manufacturers and consumers
OMAHA, ATLANTA, Feb. 5, 2026 – Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern each earned coveted spots on the 2026 Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list as the only railroads in the Trucking, Transportation and Logistics category. The achievement underscores the shared values, operational excellence and forward-looking commitments fueling the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern combination to create America’s first transcontinental railroad.
“We are proud to be recognized by Fortune as we close out a record-setting year in safety and operating performance and as we prepare to create the nation's first transcontinental railroad,” said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. “Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will merge from positions of strength to create a coast-to-coast railroad that gives shippers more options and expands access to those in underserved markets, while enhancing rail's ability to compete with trucks."
A Future Built on Shared Values and a Commitment to Excellence
The merger is a commitment to building the safest, most efficient freight rail network in America, and this achievement reinforces the core characteristics that Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern share:
- Respected leadership
- Strong financial discipline
- Customer-centered innovation
- Unwavering dedication to safety
- Longterm investment in people and communities
These values have guided each company individually, and they will guide the combined organization a sit advances America’s first coast-to-coast single-line freight network.
“We are proud that the hard work and dedication of our employees to advance safety and excellence while serving stakeholders is being recognized,” said Norfolk Southern President & CEO Mark George. “And the fact that the only other railroad to receive this honor is Union Pacific, our merger partner, reinforces the cultural and philosophical match of our franchises. The merger will build on this strong foundation to deliver the nation reliable, safe coast-to-coast transcontinental rail.”
Fortune publishes its highly anticipated World’s Most Admired Companies list annually, spotlighting organizations that excel in innovation, leadership, financial soundness and social responsibility. Rankings are based on surveys of executives, board members and industry analysts. Companies are evaluated on criteria including innovation, people management, social responsibility and financial soundness. Inclusion reflects steady execution across operations, customer service and stakeholder engagement.
Learn more about the merger and find regular updates at AmericasGreatConnection.com.