Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific file STB application seeking merger approval

Union Pacific (UNP) and Norfolk Southern (NSC) filed an application with the Surface Transportation Board requesting approval to combine the two railroads. The companies entered into a merger agreement on July 29, 2025, to create America’s first transcontinental railroad. The nearly 7,000-page application provides comprehensive and compelling new details on how the end-to-end combination will enhance competition and deliver broad public benefits. The application includes a record-breaking 2,000 letters of support from stakeholders, joining shareholders at both companies who cast votes that were 99% in favor of the merger. “We look forward to working with the Surface Transportation Board as it reviews our historic application to create America’s first transcontinental railroad,” said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. “As time and technology continue to transform how freight is delivered, our industry must keep pace and move forward, reaching underserved markets with new rail solutions and strengthening the U.S. supply chain. Customers deserve stronger, more connected freight rail, and our merger will make that happen.”