Union Pacific defends proposed Norfolk Southern merger, citing union job commitments and shipper support
UNP•Union Pacific defended its proposed merger with Norfolk Southern, saying the combined network could shift 2.1 million truckloads from highways annually and save shippers an estimated $3.5 billion a year. More than 500 customers backed the deal in filings, representing over 30% of Union Pacific volume.
1. Proposed network benefits
Union Pacific proposed combining with Norfolk Southern to create a coast-to-coast operating network. The companies say the combination targets faster service by reducing interchange delays that can add 24 to 48 hours to multi-railroad moves, and could expand single-line service across more than 88,000 county-to-county lanes.
2. Customer backing
More than 500 customers backed the deal in filings, representing over 30% of Union Pacific volume. The proposal projects shifting 2.1 million truckloads a year from highways and $3.5 billion in annual shipper savings.
