Our Supporters
2000
Supporter Perspectives

Rep. Marc LaHood
Texas State Representative (District 121)
“Like President @realDonaldTrump, I agree this proposal deserves serious consideration. A strong rail network is essential to our economy and supply chains, and a more efficient, competitive coast-to-coast system can help lower costs, strengthen commerce, and make life more affordable for Texans.”

Robert Shealy
Receivables Control, HR International
"Shifting more freight to rail reduces congestion, lowers wear and tear on our roads and improves safety for South Carolina drivers, while also supporting job creation across the manufacturing and logistics sectors."

Larry Howell
Custom Home Builder
“Increasing freight travel by rail would reduce truck traffic, improving safety, easing congestion and preserving infrastructure while supporting long-term economic growth.”

America’s Power
“The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern has the potential to improve rail connectivity, increase reliability and spur efficiency by creating a more integrated network with fewer interchanges and better coordination in both operations and future investments in the rail network.”

Asumendi Produce
“By eliminating interchanges where rail cars are handed off, the combination will remove several days from transit times, enabling us to deliver more goods to more customers, faster.”

Brotherhood Railway Carmen Division
“This merger represents a transformative opportunity for the railroad industry and its workforce, strengthening long-term stability and protecting quality jobs for the future. BRC and Union Pacific entered into a historic agreement guaranteeing job protection for BRC members for the length of their careers.”

Builders FirstSource
“[We are] writing to express our strong support... We believe that the proposed merger will enhance competition and yield significant benefits for Union Pacific customers like us."

Wanda R.D. Williams
Mayor of Harrisburg (Pennsylvania)
"By establishing the nation's first seamless coast-to-coast rail network, this merger will enhance the efficiency and affordability of freight rail, encouraging more businesses to choose this safter and more sustainable mode of transportation."

CMJ Brothers Corp.
“The combined network will offer more direct routes and greater flexibility, minimizing the risk of service disruptions and enabling us to deliver more goods to more customers faster.”

Core Natural Resources
“The American freight rail network is a critical component of our supply chain... We believe that the proposed merger will enhance competition and yield significant benefits for Union Pacific customers.”

Earl L. Harris Jr
Indiana State Representative (District 2)
“This merger is about more than just railroads – it’s about securing the future of our transportation network, supporting economic development and ensuring American freight rail remains globally competitive.”

EGF Energy Partners
“The transcontinental railroad will be better positioned to invest in infrastructure, technology and equipment, further improving service quality, capacity and safety.”
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Floyd Wilcox & Sons
“We understand the importance of rail to our employees, our products and our national economy... We believe that the proposed merger will enhance competition and yield significant benefits for Union Pacific customers like us.”
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Intermodal Sales Corp.
“We recognize that continued investment and innovation in rail will allow us to continue to grow and drive efficient and sustainable transportation solutions to our customers... We are optimistic that the proposed merger will not only drive improved service and efficiency but will also lead to additional innovation and a streamlined customer experience.”

International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
“This merger represents a transformative opportunity for the railroad industry and its workforce... We encourage the relevant authorities to recognize Union Pacific's commitment to protecting its workforce and bear in mind the positive impact this merger will have on labor and the broader economy.”
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Larsen Farms Hay Terminal LLC
“Our company depends on efficient, reliable and cost-effective rail service to meet the needs of our customers... The combined network will offer more direct routes and greater flexibility, minimizing the risk of service disruptions.”
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Nonpareil
“We transport fresh potatoes to market nationwide and worldwide... We believe the proposed merger will enhance competition and yield significant benefits for Union Pacific customers like us, including improved service reliability and reduced transit times.”

O&R Produce Farm
“We transport onions and potatoes to markets in the Northeast... By eliminating interchanges where rail cars are handed off, the combination will remove several days from transit times, enabling us to deliver more goods to more customers, faster.”
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Peabody
“The combined network is expected to offer more direct routes and greater flexibility, minimizing the risk of service disruptions ... and enabling us to deliver more goods to more customers, faster.”

Weyrick Lumber Co.
"Weyrick Lumber is writing to express our strong support for the proposed merger... We transport lumber and building materials to contractors and builders throughout the Western states... We understand firsthand how these rail networks need new investments and new commitments for growth and innovation."

Michael Toth
Director of Research at the Civitas Institute (University of Texas at Austin)
“This is giving us, for freight, a high-speed express lane from coast to coast without a single dollar of taxpayer money. It’s going to cut emissions… help people get their Amazon and UPS packages faster.”

Juli Hayes
Mayor Pro-Tem of Gainesville (Georgia)
“As a public servant, I want to help limit infrastructure-induced taxes for my constituents. One practical way to do that is by moving more freight through our strong rail system instead of our local roads... Offloading freight from trucks to rail can also reduce our state's carbon footprint. Norfolk Southern's Georgia trains have avoided 930,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide truck emissions by operating as a freight transporter.”
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Rick Jasperse
Georgia State Representative (District 11)
“This merger will support the sectors that drive Georgia’s growth: logistics, manufacturing, agriculture and e-commerce. More rail options mean less pressure on highways, less congestion for commuters and stronger alternatives for freight carriers. Companies choosing where to expand or build new facilities increasingly look for reliable, modern freight rail access. The combined NS and UP system will give Georgia an edge in attracting the next generation of employers.”

Dennis Hancock
St. Louis County Council Member
“Today, manufacturers often face costly delays and logistical bottlenecks caused by multiple interchanges between carriers. By reducing those handoffs, the merger will make it faster and cheaper to move across the country—giving businesses large and small greater access to national and global markets. And the benefits reach far beyond factory floors. Lower logistics costs ripple throughout the economy, helping stabilize prices, strengthen family budgets and make everyday essentials more affordable. These savings free up resources for business investments, job creation and community growth—building a more resilient national economy.”

Tim Huelskamp
Former U.S. Representative (Kansas)
“By modernizing the rail network, improving efficiency and enabling smarter, safer operations, the merger will give rail the flexibility to compete fairly and keep America’s supply chains strong. It will protect jobs, reduce shipping costs and ensure that the energy resources and manufactured goods produced in this country reach consumers at home and abroad.”

Jim Pillen
Governor of Nebraska
"We are proud to support Union Pacific’s efforts to create the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. A Nebraska-born and grown business, UP helps our farming and ranching families feed the world and transports the materials that are building the future of our country."

Deep South Democrats
U.S. Representatives from Mississippi and Louisiana
"With the commitments proposed to enhance safety, strengthen service for customers and protect vital jobs, the newly combined company is taking accountability for the outcome of this potentially historic merger, which, if executed correctly, could enhance freight transportation options nationwide."

Nebraska Congressional Delegation
"We believe the benefits associated with the new transcontinental railroad will demonstrate that this merger will enhance competition and provide value to the public. ...Notably, the proposed merger has received the early support of multiple labor unions, including SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD), the largest union in the country. Additionally, rail customers across key industries—including agriculture, manufacturing and energy—have voiced their support, citing improved market access, greater operational flexibility and faster, more reliable service."

Adam Bazaldua
Dallas City Council Member
“By enabling single-line service from Dallas to major East Coast ports, without the current bottlenecks at interchange points like Memphis, we could see commodities moved more efficiently across a transcontinental network. For Dallas-based shippers, that means fewer delays, lower transportation costs and more reliable service for small and large businesses.”

Charlice Byrd
Georgia State Representative (District 20)
"Because the companies have minimal overlap, the merger would expand routing options and eliminate interchange delays—particularly for freight moving to key export terminals on both coasts. ...It delivers exactly what Georgia needs: more capacity, less congestion, stronger domestic industry and a competitive advantage that will benefit our state for decades to come."
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Nathan Ballentine
South Carolina State Representative (District 71)
"[T]he combined rail system would offer something our business community has been asking for: reliability... A more dependable rail network means companies can plan with greater precision, suppliers can manage logistics with fewer surprises and transportation partners can commit to schedules with increased confidence... A more integrated, efficient rail system will help South Carolina businesses compete, help consumers by keeping costs lower and help our state maintain the strong economic momentum we’ve built over the past decade. A stronger rail network means a stronger South Carolina, and that is a future we should fully support."

Mary Jo Kukowski
Minnesota Small Business Owner
“For small businesses, speed and dependability are everything. The merger promises faster, more consistent rail service, reduced congestion and a broader market reach—improvements that would ripple across the entire logistics ecosystem. When trains run on time, costs go down. When congestion eases, goods move more efficiently. And when businesses can reach more markets, they can grow.”
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Derrick Lange
Mayor of Lowden (Iowa)
“A combined rail network stretching from coast to coast would offer more reliable service and shorter shipping times for the agricultural products that sustain our region. For our co-op and producers who depend on timely rail movement, those improvements would mean lower costs, fewer delays and a more efficient path to buyers across the country.”

Kevin Kiley
U.S. Representative for California
"...[E]fficient and reliable rail service is vital to the prosperity of our local economy, businesses and residents. The proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger presents a significant opportunity to strengthen these connections and deliver lasting economic and community benefits for my district and the nation."

Cal Hendrick
Mayor of Odessa (Texas)
“Odessa stands to gain a lot from the improved rail connectivity this merger would deliver. Local businesses will enjoy faster, more reliable access to national and international markets—spurring job creation, boosting exports and attracting new investment to our region. While UP already maintains a strong presence throughout Texas, joining forces with NS would unlock new opportunities for Odessa’s long-term growth and competitiveness. In short, this merger strengthens the backbone of our local economy.”

Kyle Johnson
Owner of Five Rivers Outfitters
"At Five Rivers Outfitters, our business depends on getting products where they need to go in a timely and cost-effective manner. ...That’s why the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is important not just to major manufacturers and national brands, but to smaller distributors like mine that rely on freight transportation every single day."

Linda Ragsdale
City Councilmember for O’Fallon, Missouri (Ward 5)
"[T]his merger won’t take opportunities away—it will expand them. It will grow our nation’s rail workforce and opening doors for groups like veterans who deserve meaningful, high-skilled work. Railroad workers aren’t the only ones who stand to gain from this merger. A unified, single-line rail service would open new domestic and international markets for Missouri’s businesses, making it easier to move products faster and farther than ever before."
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Jeffrey Depp
Senior Council for Law and Policy at the Committee for Justice
“Combining Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern stands to deliver real, measurable benefits… These benefits come through private investment, not public spending. Freight rail is one of the few infrastructure sectors in America that finances its own upkeep, investing roughly $23 billion of private capital each year, or six times more than the average manufacturer."

Lester Miller
Mayor of Macon-Bibb County
"Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern already lead the way in innovation—from real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance to advanced signaling systems that prevent accidents before they happen. Together, UP-NS can build a safer, more efficient network that keeps freight—and Georgia’s economy—moving... [T]his proposal is about modernization, not consolidation. Norfolk Southern has long been part of Macon’s economy, and Union Pacific brings a strong record of innovation and reliable service. Together, they have invested roughly $300 million over the past five years in workforce training, safety programs and community projects. Combining their strengths will make the system more resilient without sacrificing jobs or local partnerships."

Connor Wolfe
Owner of Connor Wolfe Thrifts
"As an organization that prides itself on providing apparel and lifestyle goods to customers across the Southeast, I find it important to voice my support for the merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern because of the benefits it will bring to small businesses like mine... The merger is projected to generate $1 billion in annual cost savings and improve freight car velocity by approximately 10%. For a small retailer, these improvements mean real change. With faster delivery times, more predictable shipping schedules, and lower transportation costs, Connor Wolfe Thrifts—along with other independent organizations across the country—could better manage inventory, plan shipments more accurately, and ensure on-time arrival for our customers."

Jessie McGruder
Arkansas State Representative (District 35)
“This merger isn’t about making something new just for the sake of being new. It’s about strengthening existing supply chains, improving rail safety and helping the Mid-South grow even faster in the coming years. By uniting the strengths of two of America’s most historic railroads, the merger will modernize infrastructure, boost operational reliability and expand the network that transports much of the freight vital to our region’s economy. For West Memphis and Marion, two cities at the center of the country's logistics corridor, this is significant. Our region is already a key crossroads, with access to interstates, the river and Class I railroads. The merger will strengthen that advantage at a time when major companies, from technology to manufacturing to distribution, are looking southward and inland for their next expansion.”

Brigham McCown
Director at the Hudson Institute and a Member of the USDOT Advisory Board
“Today, long-distance rail shipments must often pass across multiple carriers, adding interchange delays, extra handling and fragmented visibility. A unified network could eliminate many of those friction points, cutting days off cross-country runs, improving reliability and offering shippers a seamless experience more comparable to trucking—without drawing on taxpayer funds. Shifting even a portion of the heaviest freight back to rail would also reduce highway wear, ease the driver-shortage burden and lower emissions and crash exposure per ton-mile. …[T]his is not an argument for rail at the expense of trucking. Trucks remain indispensable for first- and last-mile delivery and for much of America’s freight. A healthier, more balanced system benefits both modes.”
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Ike Brannon
Senior Fellow at the Jack Kemp Foundation
“The American economy would greatly benefit from a more efficient supply chain that can move more goods quicker and cheaper than is currently the case. The Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger is exactly the kind of private-sector modernization that can make the country’s logistics faster and cheaper, and boost the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing.”
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Robert K. Nelson
Mayor of Bay City (Texas)
“This merger is about more than just railroads—it’s about securing the future of our transportation network, supporting economic development and ensuring American freight rail remains globally competitive.”
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Peter Roff
Veteran Political Journalist and Public Policy Analyst
“The rail industry currently delivers significant economic benefits. According to the Association of American Railroads, every railroad job creates almost four additional jobs in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and technology. The merger’s expansion of operations and infrastructure investment will generate thousands of high-paying jobs and create stability in communities along the rail lines. It will also support long-term workforce growth, guaranteeing stable, lucrative professions for many years to come.”

George Landrith
President of Frontiers of Freedom
“When freight moves freely, the entire nation benefits. Grocery store shelves stay stocked, manufacturers can keep production on schedule and products reach markets without costly delays. Lower transportation costs ripple through the entire economy, reducing the price of everyday goods, stabilizing supply chains and strengthening the financial security of American families. What begins with fewer bottlenecks on the rails ends with more reliability and affordability for the workers, consumers and businesses who drive America forward. Everyone wins when efficiency, competition and innovation work together to strengthen the nation as a whole.”

Ken Buck
Political Strategist and Former U.S. Representative
“Reindustrializing the country will require more than factory construction. It calls for a modern, resilient supply chain to move what those factories produce. ...The Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger represents a chance to rebuild a vital piece of that chain. It would bring competition and efficiency back to freight transport, relieve pressure on public infrastructure and keep America's economic engine running safely and reliably.”

Timothy Simmons
International President of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
“The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers is proud to support the proposed merger between Union Pacific Railroad Company and Norfolk Southern Railway Company. This merger represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the railroad industry, expand high-quality union jobs and secure a promising future for Boilermakers working in mechanical and related crafts across the combined system.”

Mike Pistone
President of the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers (NCFO)
“The NCFO recognizes that this merger presents an opportunity to strengthen long-term stability, expand opportunities for our members and protect quality jobs for the future… We believe that by combining resources and expertise, this merger will enhance job security, create pathways for member growth and improve working conditions through sustainable investment and innovation.”

Dan Culhane
President and CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance
"The merger would bring modernization across the network—better technology, upgraded tracks and improved service coordination—benefiting local firms during implementation and strengthening infrastructure for decades to come. This merger isn’t just about two rail companies. It’s about building a more efficient, connected and competitive freight system—one that supports stronger businesses, stronger communities and a stronger Iowa."
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Jordan McGillis
Economic Innovation Group Fellow
“Connecting America’s farms, mines, factories and harbors by rail—the safest land transport method around and the fastest for heavy goods—is an essential task for boosting the nation’s productivity and realizing its industrial potential. ...It’s time the United States gets a unified railroad and ushers in another golden age.”

Sam Couvillon
Mayor of Gainesville (Georgia)
"Georgia already benefits from the reach of Norfolk Southern.... A merger with Union Pacific would seamlessly integrate these existing NS connections with UP’s extensive western network, giving Georgia manufacturers the ability to reach markets across the entire North American continent—not just within the eastern United States. ...As someone committed to advancing Gainesville’s and Georgia’s long-term economic growth, I view the UP-NS merger as a pivotal opportunity. By increasing shipping capabilities, decreasing bottlenecks and delivery costs, and easing highway congestion, a transcontinental railroad would help Georgia solidify its role as a premier hub for manufacturing and logistics."

Texas Insider
"[I]nterchange delays between carriers, common in a multi-operator system, often slow supply chains and inflate costs for shippers and consumers alike. The UP-NS merger would eliminate many of these inefficiencies, creating seamless routes and reducing transit times across the state. The result: lower costs, faster deliveries and a more reliable transportation option for local businesses. ...For Texans, the impact of the STB’s decision is clear: a transcontinental rail network promises to further speed Texas’s robust and resilient economic growth."

Garnett Johnson
Mayor of Augusta (Georgia)
"As both the Mayor of Augusta and a small business owner, I see every day how our city’s growth depends on connections between employers and workers, between products and markets, and between Augusta, the state of Georgia and the nation as a whole. The UP-NS merger would strengthen those ties, creating a more efficient coast-to-coast supply chain that lowers costs for businesses and families alike. When goods move faster and more reliably by rail, manufacturers save on shipping, businesses avoid delays and customers benefit from affordable prices."

Rob Maness
Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel
“The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern presents a historic opportunity. For the first time, uninterrupted coast-to-coast service would connect military bases, defense manufacturers, ports and more. ...This [Surface Transportation Board] review must recognize the deal for what it is: a national security imperative that strengthens supply chains, fuels energy independence, creates American jobs and ensures military readiness. ...This is our moment to invest in infrastructure that keeps us free and competitive — reminding the world that American power is built on American steel, American energy and American grit, moved across American rails.”

Karen Gibler
President and CAO of the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce (Nebraska)
“The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce encourages the Surface Transportation Board to consider the broad economic, environmental and logistical advantages of this merger. We believe this partnership will create a more competitive, connected and forward-looking rail system—one that strengthens American industry and benefits communities like ours that depend on strong transportation networks.”

Tom Giovanetti
President of the Institute for Policy Innovation
"The recently proposed merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern represents an opportunity to improve our roads and our supply chains at the same time. ...When freight shifts from trucks to trains, taxpayers benefit twice: fewer dollars are spent fixing battered highways and more freight is carried by a system that requires no public dollars... The potential savings for taxpayers are not theoretical... Every additional ton of freight shifted to rail represents pavement preserved and taxpayer dollars saved."

Anthony Nussbaum
City Administrator of Falls City (Nebraska)
"Improved coordination between the two rail networks would enhance service reliability, reduce congestion and expand market reach for businesses in and around Falls City. More efficient freight service means our agricultural producers, manufacturers and distributors can remain competitive in both domestic and international markets."

Kasey Carpenter
Georgia State Representative (District 4)
"Railroads have already proven to be a win for Georgia’s economy, and the UP-NS merger would build on that success. ...A single-line rail service stretching from the East to West Coasts would allow Georgia manufacturers to move goods more efficiently and at a lower cost. Fewer interchanges in the supply chain would reduce delays, shorten transit times and bolster businesses' operations statewide. …By supporting this merger, we ensure our state—and our country—remain at the forefront of growth, connectivity and opportunity for generations to come."

David Ozgo
President of Advocacy Analytics LLC and Senior Fellow at the Parkview Institute
"(O)ur railroad system needs to be world class to keep U.S. companies competitive and help deliver higher living standards for all Americans. As America tries to 're-shore' manufacturing, railroads will play an even bigger part in the U.S. economy. ...Allowing the UP-NS merger to go through will help increase railroad productivity and allow the railroad system to keep up in an ever more competitive world."

Steve Sydow
Owner of SJS Electric (Ironton, Ohio)
“[T]his merger isn’t about trains and tracks–it’s about people. It’s about the engineers, brakemen, crew members and electricians who make American industry possible. Take it from me: when we strengthen our supply chain and create more good jobs, we strengthen the workforce that powers our nation.”

Rick Johnson
Mayor of the City of Ottumwa (Iowa)
“When rail companies work more efficiently, communities like ours benefit. Jobs are created, infrastructure improves and local economies grow. This is why I hope the Surface Transportation Board will approve the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger.”

Mario H. Lopez
President of the Hispanic Leadership Fund
“A coast-to-coast network is more than a logistical achievement. It could be a needed boost for communities too often left behind. Too many communities, particularly in rural America, struggle to access reliable freight service. When products can’t move efficiently, businesses stall and workers lose opportunities. A seamless national rail system would help close those gaps, ensuring that economic growth reaches more corners of the country.”

Kristen Walker
Policy Analyst with the American Consumer Institute
“[O]pening new routes will streamline operations, allow for quicker transit times and lower transportation expenses... The ultimate winners are the consumers who rely on quick and affordable delivery of thousands of goods to effectively run businesses and/or households. Improving the shipping process while reducing costs will boost the former and enhance the latter.”
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Derrell Hartwick
President and CEO of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce
“This merger changes everything. For the first time, America will have uninterrupted coast-to-coast rail service connecting 50,000 route miles across 43 states and linking more than 100 major ports. This is not just a step forward; it's a transformational leap toward a truly unified national freight system.”

Bobby Cox
South Carolina State Representative (District 21) and Chief Government Affairs Officer at SIG SAUER
“The bottom line is simple: This merger transforms South Carolina from a regional player into a global gateway. With this historic opportunity before us, it's time to put our state on track for a stronger, more connected future.”
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Coalition of Free-Market Policy Organizations
“By linking two of the nation’s largest rail networks into a unified transcontinental system, this merger will unlock faster, more reliable and more affordable movement of goods across the United States… help[ing] reduce the cost of consumer goods transported frequently by rail, ultimately lowering costs for American consumers and families.”

Dave Wordekemper
Nebraska State Senator (District 15)
"I respectfully urge the [STB] to give full and favorable consideration to this proposal, recognizing the significant economic development opportunities it will create for rural and small-town Nebraska, particularly in communities like Fremont that are working to build world-class logistics infrastructure."
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KC Graner
President and CEO of Central Farm Service
"Farmers depend on efficient rail service to get their crops to market and their inputs delivered on time. By uniting these rail networks, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are taking a logical step to improve agricultural logistics. We expect to see faster grain shipments, fewer delays and better rail access.
We believe this will help link our rural communities to more markets. In practical terms, that means our co-op can move Minnesota & Iowa corn and soybeans to customers on the Eastern Seaboard or Gulf Coast seamlessly and bring in fertilizer and feed ingredients from afar with less disruption. This merger will strengthen the farm supply chain and help us serve our growers even better.”

Preston Brashers
Research Fellow for Tax Policy at The Heritage Foundation
“Imagine if airlines couldn’t fly nonstop between the East and West coasts. Instead, all flights would have to stop in the middle of the country so customers could catch another airline’s plane for the last half of the trip. That would be a frustrating inconvenience, and... that’s exactly how America’s freight rail industry currently works.
...Regulators shouldn’t stand in the way of a deal that would benefit American workers and consumers. Instead, they should allow barriers to be torn down and let builders and innovators grow and flourish.”

Brian Garst
Vice President of the Center for Freedom and Prosperity
“The combined Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern network would eliminate... chokepoints, cutting delivery times by up to two full days. For cross-country shippers, whether it be for agriculture, petroleum or manufactured goods, that means lower inventory costs and more resilient supply chains. For consumers, it means products that arrive faster and cheaper. ...The STB faces a simple test: does this deal make our freight system faster, cheaper and more competitive? The answer is yes.”
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Dawson Brunswick
President of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce (Nebraska)
“The proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger offers an opportunity to ensure long-term reliability for our rail infrastructure and deliver long-term benefits for our manufacturers and our business community at large. The merger promises faster, more dependable service, reduced congestion and expanded market reach for our businesses. It also means continued investment in rail infrastructure that will lead to enhanced safety, job creation and ensuring the Columbus community is in a position to grow and succeed economically in an increasingly competitive economic environment.”

Mike Moser
Nebraska State Senator (District 22) and Chair of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee
“The proposed merger offers a unique opportunity to strengthen this network by delivering tangible benefits for shippers, consumers and communities. ...More direct routes and greater operational flexibility will help prevent service disruptions and improve schedule dependability. Eliminating certain interchanges will speed the movement of goods, helping our businesses reach customers faster and more competitively. The broader geographic footprint will open new markets for Nebraska products and strengthen supply chain resilience. This merger is about more than just railroads—it is about securing the future of our transportation network, supporting economic development and ensuring American freight rail remains globally competitive.”
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Jim Vokal
CEO of Platte Institute
“The merger promises faster, more dependable service, reduced congestion and expanded market reach for our businesses. It also means continued investment in rail infrastructure—enhancing safety, creating jobs and ensuring our community remains competitive in a growing economy.”
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Jeremy R. Ferguson
President of SMART-TD
“Today, we can say with confidence that the biggest railroad and the biggest rail union in America are breaking new ground. We are protecting jobs, protecting families and protecting the future of the U.S. supply chain... This is a bold agreement, and I’m proud of the mutually beneficial work done here and what Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern and SMART-TD were able to accomplish.”
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Ashley Baker
Director of Public Policy at the Committee for Justice
“By linking networks, the merged company could offer direct cross-country service without costly handoffs… Shippers would have more options, rates would reflect increased competition, and consumers would ultimately pay less.”

Seth Gorman
Business Manager at Iron Workers Local 89
“A unified, transcontinental railroad network will transform the supply chain, reduce highway congestion, and give our union workers more opportunities for employment and greater job security. The merger of Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern is a win-win for workers, shippers and the public.”
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Bill Swan
President of Green Energy Midstream
“This merger will simplify our supply chain from origin to destination, reducing handoffs and transit time for the ethanol, renewable diesel and other clean fuels we handle. Fewer bottlenecks and more direct routes translate to lower costs and a smaller carbon footprint for our operations. In my 28 years in rail and logistics, I’ve learned that greater network connectivity means better service—and that’s exactly what this delivers. We fully support the UP-NS merger and look forward to leveraging a coast-to-coast railroad to provide even better, more efficient service to our customers in the energy sector.”
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Danielle Zanzalari
Assistant Professor of Economics at Seton Hall University
“The Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern transcontinental railroad is not just about laying down track; it is about building a faster, stronger, resilient American supply chain and fulfilling a vision more than 160 years in the making.”
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Armin Mizani
Mayor of Keller, Texas
“As a Mayor in DFW whose community depends on how these goods are delivered, I believe it is critical we seize opportunities that grow our economy, improve quality of life and secure Texas’s future for decades to come. The Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger is one of those opportunities.
Let’s keep Texas—and America—on the right track.”
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Cajun Conservatism
“This merger doesn’t just connect the coasts—it connects American producers to American consumers. It ties together Louisiana’s industrial might with the manufacturing resurgence underway across the country. And it sends a clear message: America is serious about building, shipping, and buying American again.”
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Ken Kellaway
President and CEO of RoadOne IntermodaLogistics
“As an intermodal logistics company, we’re thrilled to see these railroads join forces. A single-line coast-to-coast rail service will make shipping more efficient than ever—no handoffs in between means faster deliveries, easier scheduling and greater reliability for our containers. This merger will let us work with one integrated rail partner from origin to destination, which translates to better service for our customers and our drivers. RoadOne fully supports the UP–NS merger because it will strengthen the intermodal supply chain and help us serve shippers better than ever.”
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Gjaneto Harusha
President of Dassler Domestic Logistics, Inc.
“Merging these railroads into one network is a big win for domestic logistics. A single-line, coast-to-coast service means no mid-route handoffs, so containers will reach their destinations faster and with fewer complications. For Dassler and our customers, this translates to more reliable deliveries and a smoother supply chain nationwide. We fully support the UP–NS merger because it will help us deliver even better service to American businesses.”
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Ward Nye
Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Martin Marietta
“It will be fascinating to watch, provided the UP Norfolk Southern transaction goes forward. Number one, that's a really impressive network that they're going to have in place. We have a lot of experience, obviously, with UP because we probably send more on UP than any other railroad. Their efficiency has been very good. … So we don't look at it and feel that there's any peril to our business. They are good business partners. They move material for us from producing locations to yards throughout the United States.”

Louisiana Policy Review
“Instead of relying on foreign competitors or overburdened highways, America will now have a seamless coast-to-coast rail system capable of moving steel, timber, petrochemicals, and grain with greater speed and lower cost. This is how you rebuild an industrial economy—by connecting producers directly to customers across the country, without bottlenecks or foreign interference.”

Todd R. Bingham
President and CEO of Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry
“The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes the recent announcement about the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern as a forward-looking development with the potential to strengthen the national transportation network and support continued economic growth.”

Frank Vingerhoets
President of Katoen Natie North America
“We wholeheartedly support this merger and the vision of a truly transcontinental railroad. Union Pacific’s strong Gulf Coast network has long been the backbone of our petrochemical logistics operations. Linking that network directly with Norfolk Southern’s East Coast routes will create unprecedented efficiencies. It means the plastic pellets and other products we handle can reach key markets faster and more seamlessly than ever. In short, it’s a win for shippers and for the entire supply chain.”

Adam Miller
CEO of Knight-Swift Transportation
“This is a significant breakthrough in U.S. freight transportation. By knitting together a coast-to-coast rail network, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are creating new efficiencies that will benefit everyone – from logistics providers like us, to our customers, to the end consumers. As a company that operates thousands of trucks and thousands of intermodal containers, we know the power of combining modes. This unified rail system will let us seamlessly integrate our trucking with rail on cross-country shipments like never before. The result will be faster deliveries and lower fuel usage, which is great news for American businesses.”

Abby Osborne
Chair of Utah Inland Port Authority and Chief of Staff for the Utah House of Representatives
“Utah’s inland position makes us a natural gateway in this new network. This strengthens our role as a critical logistics hub, giving Utah manufacturers, shippers, and businesses faster, more reliable connections while boosting our economy and workforce.”

Arturo Sanchez
President of Omni Transloading & Logistics and Omni Bulk Services
“Railroads have long been the backbone of our country’s transportation network. This merger fortifies that backbone, and we’re proud to stand behind it every step of the way.”

David Duncan
CEO of Duncan & Son Lines, Inc.
"As an 83-year-old trucking company, we have seen dramatic changes in the logistics industry over the years and the creation of a seamless coast-to-coast rail carrier would be one more step toward improving the transportation infrastructure. We support the additional movement of goods by rail across the country while still maintaining a strong truck network for the final delivery miles. The potential improvement in transit times, and reduced transportation costs, across the United States via a nationwide rail service is better for supply chains and consumers. We support the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger as the next phase of service improvements in the movement of goods within the United States."

Matt Cundiff
President of Ironhorse Resources, Inc.
“Ironhorse Resources has long benefited from our strong connections with Union Pacific, and we fully support its merger with Norfolk Southern. This combination will give our customers direct rate access to an even greater number of markets, expanding opportunities and creating meaningful value for shippers across our network.”

Richard Bertel
Chairman and CEO of Rio Grande Pacific Corp.
“The proposed merger represents a reasoned and logical step forward for the national rail system. The combined network should unlock efficiencies that benefit all stakeholders—from large and small shippers, communities and consumers, and railroads and logistics providers. Rio Grande Pacific looks forward to collaborating with the newly combined railroad to help our shippers capitalize on new routing options, new potential markets and growing service enhancements. We’ve long advocated for greater operational alignment in the freight rail industry. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, as one, will deliver world-class safety cultures, more reliable service, and new opportunities for regional railroads like ours to contribute to a dynamic national freight solution.”

Chad Schreck
President and CEO of North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corp.
“What does the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger mean for North Iowa? Better connections to the East Coast and global markets, more affordable and efficient shipping for our industries, and stronger opportunities for our local economy.”

Fred Ashton
Director of Competition Policy at the American Action Forum
“Combining the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern rail networks could alleviate interchange bottlenecks and reduce dwell times as less freight would need to be switched from one carrier to another.”

Richard A. Stern
Director of the Roe Institute for Economic Policy Studies and Hermann Center for the Federal Budget at the Heritage Foundation
"Get the government out of the way and let American businesses work together to strengthen the USA!"

George Landrith
President of Frontiers of Freedom Institute
"These delays across the country are not minor technical issues. They are economic drag. Freight sits idle while transferring between carriers. Aging infrastructure and poor coordination can make it worse. Costs rise for manufacturers, retailers, and, ultimately, American families. The solution is straightforward. Streamline the system. That could mean strategic mergers, like has been proposed by UP and NS in their merger that will create the first transcontinental railroad in our country, targeted infrastructure upgrades, or both. The goal is simple: move goods faster, more reliably, and more affordably. This is not a partisan issue. It is an economic necessity. Every day America waits is a day lost in competitiveness and efficiency. It is time to update our freight rail system for the needs of the 21st century. The economy cannot wait, and neither can the people who rely on it."

Eric Gettemy
President of Logistical Data Services
“Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern coming together is a significant step forward for our industry. As a data-driven logistics company, we know how valuable a unified coast to coast rail network will be. It means one set of standards, smoother information flow, and ultimately a faster, more reliable movement of goods for our customers. We fully support this merger and look forward to the improvements it will bring to U.S. freight service.”

Aiden Buzzetti
President of The Bull Moose Project
“This merger would allow the interchange system to be less complex, to be less of a problem, because what happens at these interchanges, you're usually moving them onto rail lines from different companies, so that means there's a higher risk of your shipment being delayed by a few days if something is wrong, they lose the rail cars occasionally as well. And so if we can streamline these interchange issues, then we're taking out the inefficiencies compared to trucks, where you just load into the truck and drive to the location and you're good. It's much more difficult to compete with trucks when you're at risk of losing track of the goods on the rail car.”
