Newsroom
OMAHA, ATLANTA, (Apr. 30, 2026) — Union Pacific today filed its amended merger application with Norfolk Southern. America’s first transcontinental railroad is supported by more than 2,000 stakeholders who understand how this end‑to‑end combination will enhance competition and deliver broad public benefits by shifting an estimated 2 million truckloads from the highway to rail, protecting union jobs and driving substantial cost savings.ed 2 million truckloads from the highway to rail, protecting union jobs and driving substantial cost savings.
Featured News
See the latest official news, updates and perspectives on The Great Connection and the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern combination.
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Viewpoints on the Proposed Transcontinental Railroad
Leaders from ports, manufacturing, shipping, labor and government are weighing in on the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern combination to create America’s first transcontinental railroad. Their articles, op-eds and commentary highlight the benefits of the potential combination, including stronger competition, more reliable service, expanded access for underserved communities, continued safety advances and support for union jobs.
Featured Perspectives
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Analysts say rail merger could cut shipping costs, ease delays for farmers
Tom Joyce
April 14, 2026
Building the Next Generation of American Infrastructure
Kasey Carpenter
October 21, 2025
Railroad Merger Will Be Good for Taxpayers and Roads. Here’s Why
Tom Giovanetti
October 23, 2025
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Central Farm Service Commends Union Pacific – Norfolk Southern Merger, Highlighting Benefits for Agriculture
Central Farm Service
October 2, 2025
Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern Will Be Energy, Growth Boost
Kristen Walker
October 7, 2025
Stakeholder Perspectives
Connecting and Revitalizing Virginia’s Economy Through Rail
Rick Boucher
April 19, 2026
Connecting and Revitalizing Virginia’s Economy Through Rail
Kristen Walker
April 15, 2026
Analysts say rail merger could cut shipping costs, ease delays for farmers
Tom Joyce
April 14, 2026
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Momentum is key for the Union Pacific - Norfolk Southern Merger
Andrew Langer
April 8, 2026
How a Rail Merger Can Deliver for the Environment and Economy
Kevin Kimble
April 6, 2026
If Lower Prices Are the Aim, Let Union Pacific & Norfolk Southern Merge
Ike Brannon
April 4, 2026
America at 250: Rediscovering Exceptionalism in Rail and Space
Andrew Langer
April 3, 2026
Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger could provide more reliability for Roseville businesses
Ananda Rochita
March 31, 2026
Chamber president says Union Pacific merger deserves 'thoughtful consideration'
Chris LaFerla
March 13, 2026
Rail Mergers – A Step Towards Making America Competitive Again
Graham Copley, Partner at Pentant LLC
March 12, 2026
Largest rail union backs $85 billion Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger
Tom Joyce
March 11, 2026
Derailing a huge railway merger will cost American consumers dearly
Yaël Ossowski
March 10, 2026
Proposed Merger Between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Will Benefit Communities
John Hall
February 25, 2026
Commentary: Freight rail merger can expand SC agribusiness
Randy Ligon, Representative (District 43)
February 17, 2026
Trump's visit reminded Iowa what America First delivers
Denise Bubeck
February 13, 2026
For competitiveness, Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger Matters as Much as Tariffs
Antonio Ortiz-Mena
February 9, 2026
STB Rejection of UP-NS Merger: A Delay, Not a Judgment
Michael F. Gorman
February 5, 2026
By Merging, Union Pacific And Norfolk Southern Can Find The Future
John Tamny
February 5, 2026
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Coal and Power Groups Back UP–Norfolk Southern Rail Merger
Tom Joyce
January 8, 2026
Norfolk Southern Merger Makes Sense for Georgia’s Freight Rail Network Needs
Rick Jasperse
December 26, 2025
Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger Will Create Economic Opportunities
Tim Huelskamp
December 25, 2025
Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger Could Reshape Missouri's Freight Infrastructure
Dennis Hancock
December 25, 2025
Pillen Backs Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger, Cites Jobs and Investment
Tristen Winder
December 19, 2025
What a Unified Rail Network Could Mean for Dallas’ Future
Adam Bazaldua
December 18, 2025
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Strengthening Georgia's Freight Future Through the UP-NS Rail Merger
Charlice Byrd
December 12, 2025
A Stronger Rail Network Is a Win for South Carolina’s Economy
Nathan Ballentine
December 12, 2025
A Stronger Rail System Means Stronger Small Businesses
Mary Jo Kukowski
December 8, 2025
Opinion: It’s Missouri’s Moment to Become a Rail Powerhouse
Linda Ragsdale
December 4, 2025
Commentary: A Stronger Rail Network Means a Stronger Future for Outdoor Businesses
Kyle Johnson
December 3, 2025
Merger of Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern a Win for Small Businesses
Connor Wolfe
December 3, 2025
Macon Mayor Shows Support for Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific Merger
Lester Miller
December 3, 2025
Three State Attorneys General Voice Support for UP-NS Merger
Trains Staff
November 23, 2025
A Stronger Future for the Delta Begins on Our Rails
Jessie McGruder
November 23, 2025
Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern Merger Will Make U.S. Logistics Faster, Cheaper and Globally Competitive
Ike Brannon
November 21, 2025
Bay City Issues Letter Supporting Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern Merger
Kavan Van Hal
November 21, 2025
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Made in America, Moved by America: The Next Step in Trump's Economic Agenda
Ken Buck
November 19, 2025
Boilermakers Union Supports Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern Merger
Timothy Simmons
November 18, 2025
History Shows What Works: Let Markets Keep Rail on Track
Consumer Action for a Strong Economy
November 17, 2025
Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern Merger Draws More Support as Critics Push Back
Tom Joyce
November 13, 2025
Is the Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific Merger Texas’s Next Big Win?
Texas Insider
October 30, 2025
Rail Connectivity for the Growth of Augusta’s Future
Garnett Johnson
October 30, 2025
Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger Gives Ohio Tools to Compete
Steve Stivers
October 29, 2025
Trucks Destroy Roads, But Railroads—Yes, Rail!—Can Save Taxpayers Billions
Tom Giovanetti
October 27, 2025
Railroad Merger Will Be Good for Taxpayers and Roads. Here’s Why
Tom Giovanetti
October 23, 2025
Building the Next Generation of American Infrastructure
Kasey Carpenter
October 21, 2025
Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern Will Be Energy, Growth Boost
Kristen Walker
October 7, 2025
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A Major Upgrade: Merger to Transform U.S. Rail System
Derrell Hartwick
October 6, 2025
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SC Will Prosper Even More With Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger
Bobby Cox
October 5, 2025
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Conservatives Champion Freight Railroad Merger, Say It Will Fuel Trump's America First Agenda
Tom Howell Jr.
October 3, 2025
Central Farm Service Commends Union Pacific – Norfolk Southern Merger, Highlighting Benefits for Agriculture
Central Farm Service
October 2, 2025
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Here’s Why American Industry Needs a Coast-to-Coast Rail Merger
Preston Brashers
October 1, 2025
Approve the First Transcontinental Railroad for Freight
Brian Garst
September 29, 2025
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Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern: A Merger That Strengthens Competition Where It Counts
Ashley Baker
September 16, 2025
Opinion: Why the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern Merger Is Good for Texas and DFW
Armin Mizani
September 16, 2025
UP-NS Merger: Boosting Supply Chains With Lincoln’s Vision
Danielle Zanzalari
September 15, 2025
Strengthening America’s Defense Starts With Stronger Rail
James “Spider” Marks
September 14, 2025
The article connects the merger to national security, arguing the combined network would enhance military readiness and strengthen critical transportation routes.
Opinion: Rail Merger Delivers Trump’s 'Made in America' Vision
Alton Phillips
September 9, 2025
Transcontinental Railroad Can Power Trump’s America First Economy
Andrew Langer
September 9, 2025
Rail Merger Delivers Trump’s “Made in America” Vision
LRP Staff
September 4, 2025
The article emphasizes how the new coast-to-coast rail system will particularly benefit Louisiana by boosting its ports and manufacturing base, including the Hyundai Steel Mill. It frames the merger as a key enabler of Trump’s “Made in America” vision, positioning domestic infrastructure as the backbone of stronger supply chains and industrial revival. Overall, the piece argues that the merger is less about corporate consolidation and more about advancing national economic independence and efficiency.
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George Landrith: Rebuilding America’s Backbone Starts With Freight Rail
George Landrith
September 1, 2025
The piece argues that a merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern to create a unified transcontinental freight rail network would boost U.S. competitiveness, drive economic growth, and reduce reliance on inefficient long-haul trucking. It highlights benefits like lower shipping costs for manufacturers, more resilient supply chains, reduced highway wear, and revitalization of underserved communities through job creation.
Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger Unlikely to Derail Competition
Fred Ashton
August 25, 2025
The article argues that the proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern—creating America's first single‑firm coast‑to‑coast freight network spanning over 50,000 miles across 43 states—would deliver substantial logistical efficiencies, lower shipping costs, and reduce interchange delays, benefiting shippers and supply chains.
America’s Rail Bottlenecks Are Holding Back the Economy
George Landrith
August 22, 2025
The article argues that outdated rail congestion—a drag on U.S. competitiveness and supply chains—requires modernized freight rail. The piece endorses solutions like strategic mergers, including the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern deal, as a way to streamline transfers, cut costs and speed delivery across the country.
America’s Economy Needs a Robust Freight Network
Charles Sauer
August 19, 2025
This piece supports the merger as a step toward strengthening the U.S. freight network, arguing it will bolster economic growth and improve nationwide connectivity.
Trump Could Restore America’s Golden Age With Iconic Railroad Merger
Aiden Buzzetti
August 11, 2025
This opinion piece views the merger as a catalyst for reviving U.S. industry, framing it as a bold opportunity to rebuild economic power and rail innovation.
A Rail Merger to Put America Back on Track
Michael F. Gorman
August 7, 2025
The editorial promotes the merger as a pivotal step for U.S. competitiveness, citing benefits like improved network efficiency and stronger energy transport capabilities.
Merge of Union Pacific & Norfolk Southern Signals Better Days for Rail
John Tamny
August 7, 2025
The article portrays the merger as a turning point for the rail industry, highlighting opportunities for cost savings, infrastructure upgrades, and more reliable freight movement.
How the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Deal Would Boost Petrochemicals
David Blackmon
August 6, 2025
The merger is positioned as a growth driver for petrochemical exports by increasing Gulf Coast access, improving network speed, and expanding transportation capacity.
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America’s First Transcontinental Railroad Will Boost Our Supply Chain
Ike Brannon
July 30, 2025
The article supports the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, highlighting that it will create a coast-to-coast railroad, reduce costs, speed up shipping, and strengthen U.S. supply chains. The piece emphasizes that the networks complement each other, boosting efficiency and competitiveness without reducing market competition, making it strongly supportive of the merger.
Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern to Create First Transcontinental Railroad
Daniella Genovese
July 29, 2025
The merger is depicted as a transformative step in U.S. freight logistics, with significant economic and structural implications for supply chain infrastructure.
Union Pacific Acquires Norfolk Southern for $85 Billion, Transforming Into a Railroad Titan
Ross O’Keefe
July 29, 2025
The article details Union Pacific’s agreement to purchase Norfolk Southern in an $85 billion cash-and-stock transaction, which would integrate Union Pacific’s expansive western, midwestern, and southern operations with Norfolk Southern’s east coast network.
Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern to create first transcontinental railroad
Dan McCaleb
July 29, 2025
The article likely aligns with The Center Square’s "Lean Right" editorial stance and tends to offer a favorable viewpoint toward the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger—noting how it could streamline national freight logistics, reduce interchange inefficiencies, and enhance supply chain efficiency.
Rail Merger Does Not Create Monopoly
Ryan Young
July 29, 2025
The CEI blog argues that the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger would not create a monopoly, as the rail industry faces strong competition from trucking, maritime shipping, and air freight. By dismissing antitrust concerns and framing the deal as reasonable and pro-competition, the article is supportive of the merger.