The Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Combination Creates America’s First Unified Defense Logistics Network

The Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern combination will create America’s national security rail network — a continuous logistics corridor from the Atlantic to the Pacific, connecting military facilities, defense manufacturers and ports under a single accountable carrier for the first time in American history.
Today, when the U.S. military needs to move equipment between bases and ports, shipments must traverse multiple rail carriers. Each handoff introduces potential delays and operational complexity at the moments when speed and reliability are non-negotiable. The combination will eliminate that fragmentation.A single-line transcontinental network will connect military installations, defense production facilities and coastal ports from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

100+

Ports connected to the combined network

~20%

Of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroaders are military veterans — ready to support defense operations

Force Readiness: A Proven Capability, Ready to Scale

Union Pacific partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build 33,000 feet of new track to improve rail loading capacity at Fort Riley, Kansas. The before-and-after tells the story: Before the project, it took Fort Riley 24 hours to load 100 rail cars with troops and supplies; Now the base can load an entire brigade on 700 rail cars and be mobile in less than 48 hours. That is military readiness, built on rail infrastructure investment.
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The Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern combination would bring that same capability and investment posture to a national scale — forming the backbone of a unified national security rail network that connects bases, ports and defense manufacturers coast to coast under one operating plan with no interline gaps.

Built to Connect

Our support of the military isn't just about moving its equipment. Around 20% of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern employees are retired or still active in the National Guard or Reserves. The railroad is a great fit for people shifting from the service to civilian life.

“This merger would directly and positively impact our military force readiness.”

- James “Spider” Marks

Retired U.S. Army Major General

“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.”

Rob Maness

Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel

FAQ

Why does the United States need a transcontinental railroad for national security?

A fragmented rail network forces the military to move critical equipment across multiple carriers — each handoff adding time, complexity and operational risk, often when speed and precision matter most. A single-line transcontinental network will provide uninterrupted rail access from Atlantic ports to Pacific bases, eliminating interchange delays at moments when deployment speed is critical to national security.

Can the railroad rapidly deploy military equipment and supplies during a crisis?

The Fort Riley project demonstrates the capability. Before Union Pacific’s infrastructure investment, it took the base 24 hours to load 100 rail cars. Now it can load an entire brigade on 700 rail cars and be mobile in under 48 hours. The proposed combination would bring that level of rail infrastructure investment and operational coordination to a national scale.

Make Your Voice Heard

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

Send a Letter of Support​

Your voice is part of the record.

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Benefits described are intended and proposed, subject to STB review and approval.
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Please review Union Pacific’s cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements.