Gehringer Eric J sold $790K of UNP

BNSF Railway says revised remedies for the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger do not adequately address competition concerns. BNSF claims expanded Committed Gateway Pricing would cover under 1% of U.S. rail traffic and that 60% of eligible shippers would face higher rates. It also argues some protections could expire within three years. The Surface Transportation Board has not ruled.

Five US shipper groups filed a joint motion with the Surface Transportation Board urging rejection of the proposed Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) merger. They argue UP-NS have not provided sufficient information on competitive impacts and public-interest effects. STB accepted a revised major merger application May 28, paused the process for environmental review, and ordered supplemental data by July 27.

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is reviewing Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion merger with Norfolk Southern, a process distinct from DOJ/FTC antitrust review. The STB rejected the initial filing in January, accepted a revised application in May, and ordered supplemental data by July 27. BNSF opposes; SMART-TD endorsed after a labor agreement.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern said they expanded shipper protections in their proposed merger, according to the USDA Grain Transportation Report. The changes include broader gateway pricing for bulk unit trains, expanded eligibility for locations competitively served by BNSF or CSX, and reciprocal switching and arbitration if service falls below standards. Opponents remain unconvinced during the Surface Transportation Board review.

The Trump administration proposed a rule requiring Mexican freight train crews to understand key safety information in English, with changes to crew certification standards. Two rail unions praised it. Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific Kansas City would be directly affected. Separately, eBay agreed to pay about $50M to David and Ina Steiner over alleged employee threats and anonymous deliveries.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern said their planned merger has added customer protections and oversight beyond the original filing, following Surface Transportation Board review. Commitments include expanded gateway pricing, preserved 3-to-2 shipper options, temporary alternative service if performance drops, and a rate relief process if benefits lag. Completion is expected mid-2027.