$NSC

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.

North Carolina Railroad Co. and Norfolk Southern are backing a $600 million STERIS Chemistries Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Sanford, N.C. NCRR will spend up to $600,000 on rail infrastructure, enabling at least 160 railcars annually by 2031. The project is expected to create 335+ jobs, with operations starting in 2-3 years, according to company releases.

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.

Nippon Steel Corporation (NSC) will cut prices for nickel-based 300 series stainless steel products by JPY 10,000 per tonne ($63/t) month-on-month in August, citing lower nickel costs, according to Kallanish. The nickel benchmark fell 5.8% to $7.79/lb. Chromium-based 400 series prices will stay unchanged as the chromium benchmark slipped 1.5% to about $1.67/lb.

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 U.S. Surface Transportation Board is beginning scrutiny of Union Pacific’s proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern, a $85 billion deal that would create a transcontinental rail freight carrier. The review will assess whether the merger is in the public interest and enhances competition under a new, tougher standard, amid opposition including CSX concerns about reduced competition.

Alabama state Rep. Danny Garrett and Trussville Mayor Ben Short urged the Surface Transportation Board to consider local impacts from the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger, citing rail blockages affecting safety, schools, commutes, businesses, and emergency response. They asked for binding commitments and infrastructure before approval. The merger review is ongoing, with completion expected mid-2027, according to a press update.

Alabama state Rep. Danny Garrett argues the Surface Transportation Board should assess the public interest in the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger, citing public safety impacts from blocked crossings in Trussville. He cites FRA data: Chalkville Road crossing had 40+ blockage reports since 2022, about four hours per month. He urges enforceable infrastructure commitments before approval.

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.