Canadian National Railway raises its 2026 volume outlook as freight demand firms

Canadian National Railway (CN) raised its full-year 2026 freight volume outlook, citing firmer demand and shifting economic conditions, after reporting higher Q2 profit and revenue, according to the Wall Street Journal. Norfolk Southern also reported higher Q2 revenue on improving demand trends. The article also notes DP World’s planned UAE terminal expansion and the Port of Long Beach considering an on-site nuclear reactor.

Canada’s Competition Bureau approved the proposed merger of Canadian National Railway Co. and Wisconsin Central Transportation Corp., saying the U.S. Surface Transportation Board should decide. STB said May 9 the deal is a minor transaction. If approved, CN would pay $17.15 per WC share for 46.5 million shares, about $800 million, plus repay $400 million debt, totaling about $1.2 billion, with closing mid-October.

BNSF CEO Katie Farmer said BNSF is reviewing additional Surface Transportation Board information on the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger. She argued the supplemental filing does not address anticompetitive concerns and would raise rail rates and consumer prices. She cited Railfax data that the combined UP-NS would handle about 37% of North American rail traffic.

Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) filed updated commitments with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to support their proposed merger, including expanded fixed “gateway pricing,” protections for “three-to-two” shippers, and temporary alternative service access if integration performance declines. The deal is expected to close mid-2027. Separately, Q2 revenue rose for UP and NS and other major railroads, with most raising 2026 guidance.

Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) filed an “enhanced” merger application with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board after the agency asked for more information. The update includes partial divestitures tied to a Canadian National (CN) deal for terminal railroad shares and rights. UP and NS also expanded pricing and service-assurance commitments; BNSF and CPKC-led opposition continues.

Union Pacific and Canadian National (CN) signed a binding memorandum to expand cooperation between their freight networks. UP will gain extended operational rights on CN’s EJ&E corridor near Chicago, while CN will receive running rights on UP infrastructure between Memphis, Tennessee and Eagle Pass, Texas. The deal targets faster north-south routes and improved capacity for Canada-US-Mexico trade.