Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern to Combine, Creating America’s First Transcontinental Railroad
- barboraarendasova
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
Today marks a landmark moment in U.S. rail history as Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern announce their agreement to merge, creating America’s first true transcontinental railroad. This historic union will connect over 50,000 route miles across 43 states — stretching from the East Coast to the West Coast — and link nearly 100 ports and almost every corner of North America.
The combination of these two industry giants is set to transform the U.S. supply chain, bolster American manufacturing’s industrial strength, and generate new economic growth and workforce opportunities. Importantly, this merger will preserve union jobs, making it a win for the American economy and, most importantly, for customers nationwide.
What This Means for Customers
Faster Service- By merging, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will streamline operations by eliminating redundant car touches and interchanges, reducing transit times by several days. The new network will improve rail options in historically underserved regions such as the Ohio Valley and both sides of the Mississippi River — areas where geographic and infrastructure challenges have long hindered efficient rail connectivity. This expanded access will create a more sustainable, accessible, and cost-effective supply chain solution.
Lower Costs- The combined network is expected to reduce transportation costs by shifting more freight to rail — a lower-cost and more reliable alternative to trucking. This will translate into consistent performance, decreased inventory carrying costs, and savings on equipment due to shorter railcar cycle times. Lower costs coupled with exceptional service open new market opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
Streamlined Customer Experience- Customers will benefit from simplified, single-line rate quotes and a unified tracking system providing real-time visibility. Union Pacific’s leading-edge technology, including AI-driven analytics and data integrations, will be extended across the new transcontinental platform. This enhanced network will foster innovation and resilience, setting a new industry standard for customer-centric service.
Commitment to Workforce and Safety
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are committed to preserving union jobs, ensuring that every employee who wishes to continue working with the merged company will have that opportunity. Safety remains a top priority, with a shared goal to become the safest railroad in North America while delivering reliable, operational excellence.
What’s Next?
The boards of both companies have unanimously approved the merger. The transaction now awaits review and approval by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and is subject to customary closing conditions and shareholder consent. Until then, both companies will operate independently and remain focused on delivering outstanding service to customers.
Image source: up.com
