Union Pacific Corporation and Norfolk Southern Corporation announced they have submitted the first portion of their responses to the Surface Transportation Board’s request for additional information in their merger application.
On July 7, the railroads’ filing addressed the STB’s questions regarding the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA), Kansas City Terminal Railway (KCT) and TTX Company. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern do not control those companies and remained firm in their commitment that they would not control them after their merger. The filings submitted provided the STB with options to implement the commitment, up to and including divestiture.
Union Pacifica and Norfolk Southern said in their filing that other Class 1 railroads that are opposed to the merger are using TRRA as a pawn in their efforts to thwart the merger, including failing to appear at a properly convened special meeting for the sole purpose of discussing ways to reduce Union Pacific’s ownership in TRRA post-merger.
The railroads said connecting the two entities’ end-to-end networks will finally provide a single-line transcontinental rail service for shippers across the country, as well as create a stronger alternative to long-haul trucking. The merger, the railroads said, would make the entire supply chain more competitive, and put downward pressure on truck and rail prices. Officials estimate the opportunities opened by the merger for shifting freight from truck to rail could save shippers an estimated $3.5 billion annually.
STB accepted the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger application on May 28. Both railroads said they are committed to working with the STB toward completion in mid-2027. The responses to STB’s other requests for additional information are expected to be filed on July 27, 2026.