“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.”

“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.”

"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."

"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."

"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."

"(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."

“[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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“[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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

"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."

"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.”

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“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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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“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.
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Let’s keep Texas—and America—on the right track.”

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“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

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“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

"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."

“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.”

“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.”

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“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.”

“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.”

"Get the government out of the way and let American businesses work together to strengthen the USA!"

"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."

“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.”

“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.”

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"Beyond its transportation benefits, establishing a coast-to-coast railroad through the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger supports a key national objective: rebuilding the U.S. manufacturing base. Supply-chain disruptions in recent years have shown how critical dependable logistics are for keeping plants running and shelves stocked. Every day saved in transit, every reduction in shipping cost, and every improvement in network reliability directly affects whether American-made goods can compete with foreign alternatives."

"It’s only fitting that America’s largest railroad, Union Pacific, joins forces with Norfolk Southern to become exactly what our country needs to compete — and win — for every American citizen. By design, the UP-NS combination will revive American manufacturing, create high-quality careers, and use commerce as a powerful conduit to connect people like never before."

“Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern joining forces is tremendous news for intermodal transportation. As an intermodal marketing company, MODE Global looks forward to converting even more long-haul truck freight to rail thanks to this coast-to-coast network. The improved transit times and single-carrier service will mean faster, more reliable deliveries for our customers and lower shipping costs for beneficial cargo owners. Ultimately, those savings will benefit the entire American economy – when shippers save, consumers do too. We fully support this merger and hope to see it approved, because it will make freight transport cheaper and better for everyone.”

“As a fourth-generation trucking executive, I’ve seen our industry evolve from my great-grandfather’s Model T to today’s Intermodal networks. A seamless coast-to-coast rail carrier is something we’ve dreamed about for years. This merger lets us combine the best of rail and trucking — moving freight farther with less fuel and fewer emissions, then delivering the last mile by truck. It means faster transit, greater capacity, and lower costs. For our customers, that translates to improved supply chain efficiency and savings we can pass on to consumers. It’s better for our business, our customers, and the country.”

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“We are thrilled to see Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern join forces. This merger is a game-changer for the industry, creating a coast-to-coast railroad that will make shipping more efficient than ever. For our customers, it means they’ll be able to move goods from one end of the country to the other on a single railroad, which translates to faster delivery and lower transportation costs. We’ve witnessed first-hand the power of combining truck and rail through our partnership with Norfolk Southern – our Chicago transload facility saw a 62% surge in volume after NS invested in it. With these railroads united, we’re excited to see even greater opportunities to help businesses streamline their supply chains. The Transload Group fully supports this merger and urges its swift approval. Railroads have always been the backbone of America’s freight transportation. This merger brings that backbone to its strongest form yet, and we’re proud to support it every step of the way.”

“Wildcat is completely supportive of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger. We understand the inherent and complex challenges in any railroad’s operation. This merger will obviously present numerous opportunities for decreased friction and increased efficiency gains, and will result in a decrease to Uinta Wax’s reputational risk as well as negative financial impacts to our customers. We have worked with Union Pacific’s management for many years and believe wholeheartedly that they will capitalize and capture the many opportunities available in this merger.”

"As a business that ships our product from the Southeastern U.S. to consumers in the West, we think that having seamless connections from origin to destination would benefit our operation greatly. The simplicity and efficiency of a coast-to-coast rail carrier is a concept, that in my opinion, is long overdue. We look forward to the many benefits that combining the Union Pacific and the Norfolk Southern will bring to shippers and receivers of rail-transported commodities.”

"Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern continue to be pillars of our national freight infrastructure. Their commitment to safety, innovation, and efficiency plays a vital role in driving Nebraska's economy forward. As a Public Service Commissioner, I greatly appreciate their efforts in growing strong rail connectivity across our State and Nation."

“By shifting significant freight volumes from road to rail, the merger would ease road congestion and public infrastructure maintenance costs, saving billions in future maintenance costs. These are savings that flow directly to the taxpayers....”

“Yes, we'll be more competitive to get cargo to the Eastern seaboard of the US for several reasons. Number one, you'll have one company that carries your cargo from LA to New York to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Norfolk, Baltimore, et cetera, all the way down the Eastern seaboard. Today, that cargo gets handed off in Northern Chicago … from the UP to an East Coast railroad.”

“The geographic overlap between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is minimal. This isn’t a market grab—it’s a connectivity play. Unlike mergers that consolidate market share in one region, this deal would improve cross-country service and provide a stronger East-West alternative to the recently merged Canadian Pacific–Kansas City Southern, which now runs uninterrupted from Canada to Mexico. The merger would actually enhance competition, especially along East-West routes by creating a second transcontinental carrier with scale and reach.”

“These two companies are near-perfect companions, as there is almost no overlap between their respective rail networks, with the Union Pacific stretching across the West side of the Mississippi River and Norfolk Southern covering the East, so their combination does not reduce competition in any given market. Instead, it creates new, more competitive options for shippers across the country.

This is the kind of transformative evolution that is needed to keep U.S. rail competitive in the 21st-century freight market. The combined company will better compete with Canadian transcontinental railroads, shoring up the domestic supply chain and offering more opportunities for American workers."

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"This historic announcement by [Norfolk Southern] is great news for Georgia’s growing economy and expanding logistics network. A transcontinental railroad is essential for the future of moving goods across America. This partnership will create jobs, while increasing accessibility for Georgia businesses shipping goods. I want to applaud everyone who made this possible and look forward to seeing these plans come to fruition."

"For decades, [Norfolk Southern] has played a critical role in the success of our state’s #1 industry - helping Georgia farmers get their products to markets across the country and around the globe. We are excited to see their continued growth and success and to continue to build on the strong relationship between our state and NS."

“One timely topic that we believe is important to address is the impact of the announced merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern on the future of the intermodal industry, as well as Hub Group and its potential growth. For context, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are the exclusive rail partners of Hub Group in the United States. For decades, we have worked collaboratively with both companies to drive growth and scale our operations through excellent service and commercial alignment. The proposed merger presents a new and exciting opportunity for our partnership to grow and be differentiated. There are several catalysts that should create significant incremental intermodal conversion from over the road, including improved fluidity in the gateways, leading to faster transits and better asset utilization, enhanced fuel efficiency, and access to additional lanes of market. These enhancements should lead to a large opportunity for intermodal conversion due to improved reliability and service quality as well as improved freight economics.”

“Congratulations to Union Pacific and its entire team on their announcement to acquire the great Norfolk Southern Railway, forming the nation’s first unified transcontinental rail system. President Abraham Lincoln envisioned a railroad extending to the Pacific Ocean, and he chose Omaha as its starting point. UP has been building America ever since, and Nebraska has become a centrally-located national transportation hub along the way. The State of Nebraska looks forward to supporting this tremendous partnership, and we are proud to host America’s First Transcontinental Railroad.”

“The Greater Omaha Chamber extends its congratulations to Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern on this historic announcement—uniting their networks to create America’s first coast-to-coast railroad. This landmark achievement honors the very spirit upon which our nation’s railroads were founded: to connect a growing country through infrastructure, innovation, and purpose. Railroads were built in America to bring people, communities, and commerce together—and this new transcontinental network is the embodiment of this dream. This partnership will strengthen domestic supply chains, open new markets, and reinforce our nation’s global competitiveness.”

“We are especially proud that Union Pacific Railroad, one of the most iconic names in American industry, continues to call Omaha, Nebraska home. Their leadership in reshaping the future of freight transportation reinforces our region’s central role in building a more connected and prosperous nation. The Chamber and business community looks forward to supporting this new rail partnership that will deliver for generations to come.”

"Union Pacific is an engine for growth in Nebraska. Consolidating another railroad company’s headquarters at the Union Pacific headquarters in Omaha will benefit our state even more. This has the potential to create jobs, increase wages, and streamline the supply chain. This merger is a great deal for Nebraska and America."

"Headquartered in Omaha and employing over 5,000 Nebraskans, Union Pacific plays a crucial role in our state’s economy. This merger not only has the potential to create many more jobs, but it will also provide seamless transcontinental service. I look forward to seeing the growth that will come to our state as a result of this crucial partnership."

“We would welcome any future employees from the combined railroads to settle in Omaha.”