Union Pacific Kicks Off Review for $85-B Coast-to-Coast Rail Merger

Railroad operators Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have filed a nearly 7,000-page merger application with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), drawing fresh scrutiny from rivals over their plan to create the nation’s first coast-to-coast freight railroad, Sabrina Valle reported for Reuters.

Union Pacific’s merger proposal in July surprised analysts and industry executives, who said such a deal would have been unlikely under previous administrations because of stricter antitrust scrutiny. (Photo: Business Wire) 

If approved by regulators, the merger would reshape how goods move across the United States, leaving the remaining two major U.S.-based freight railroads to compete with a transcontinental giant.

The recent filing triggers a 30-day period during which the regulator can seek additional information or propose initial remedies as it reviews the deal.

The filing also opens a formal window for stakeholders — including shippers, labor unions, consumer advocates and local officials — to respond to the proposed $85 billion transaction.

Union Pacific’s merger proposal in July surprised analysts and industry executives, who said such a deal would have been unlikely under previous administrations because of stricter antitrust scrutiny.

The proposal received public support from President Donald Trump. Union Pacific was among the corporations that contributed to Trump’s White House ballroom project, public disclosures show.

Union Pacific Chief Executive Jim Vena and Trump have said that creating a single East–West railroad aligns with the president’s vision to “make America great again,” following a meeting between the two in the Oval Office in September.