{"id":2510656,"date":"2025-11-14T13:24:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T18:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/union-pacific-and-norfolk-southern-shareholders-back-rail-merger\/"},"modified":"2025-11-14T13:24:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T18:24:46","slug":"union-pacific-and-norfolk-southern-shareholders-back-rail-merger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/union-pacific-and-norfolk-southern-shareholders-back-rail-merger\/","title":{"rendered":"Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern shareholders back rail merger"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Funion-pacific-and-norfolk-southern-shareholders-back-rail-merger%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2510656&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern shareholders have overwhelmingly approved an $85 billion merger, with over 99% voting in favor. This merger would create teh nation&#8217;s first coast-to-coast railroad network, transforming the two companies into a transcontinental rail giant. The deal still requires approval from the self-reliant Surface Transportation Board, with the companies aiming for a closing date in early 2027.<\/p>\n<p>Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena emphasized that the merger would unlock new growth opportunities,enhance service,and preserve union jobs. Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George highlighted that the merger would improve safety, transit times, and rail competitiveness against highways, possibly boosting American manufacturing and economic growth. The merger has support from the Trump governance, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/rail-union-rejects-labor-deal-as-white-house-scrambles-to-avoid-nationwide-railroad-strike\/\" title=\"Rail Union Rejects Labor Deal As White House Scrambles To Avoid Nationwide Railroad Strike\">largest railroad union<\/a> SMART-TD, and various shipping companies.<\/p>\n<p>Though,BNSF Railway opposes the merger,citing concerns that it would reduce competition and raise shipping costs. Despite criticism, both companies remain optimistic about regulatory approval, especially given the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >pro-business stance<\/a> of the current administration and recent changes at the Surface Transportation Board.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern shareholders back $85 billion railroad merger<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2401523\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>The vast majority of shareholders for Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern voted on Friday to support the $85 billion <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/mergers-and-acquisitions\/\">merger<\/a> that would transform the two companies into a transcontinental <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/railroads\/\">railroad<\/a> titan.<\/p>\n<p>The proposed merger still needs to be approved by the independent Surface <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/transportation\/\">Transportation<\/a> Board, but the shareholder vote, with more than 99% supporting the merger, marks a major step forward. If completed, the deal will create the nation&rsquo;s first coast-to-coast rail network.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/premium\/3884213\/elon-musk-trillion-dollar-tesla-package\/\">Post-DOGE, Elon Musk could become the trillion-dollar man<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/magazine\/3884544\/trump-right-failed-public-school-system-means-us-needs-h-1b-talent\/\">Trump is right &mdash; our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/senate-and-trump-on-a-collision-course-over-the-leadership-of-the-gao\/\" title=\"Senate and ... on a collision course over the leadership of the GAO\">failed public school system means<\/a> the US needs H-1B talent<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/business\/3886993\/verizon-cut-15000-jobs-layoffs\/\">Verizon to cut 15,000 jobs in largest layoff in company&#8217;s history: Report<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>&ldquo;Our shareholders see the value and understand this merger will unlock new opportunities to enhance service, growth and innovation,&rdquo; Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.up.com\/press-releases\/financial\/shareholders-approve-ns-merger-251114\">said in a statement<\/a>, adding he expects the formal merger application to be filed later this month or early next.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;The merger will preserve union jobs and improve safety while delivering faster, more reliable transit times,&rdquo; Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.norfolksouthern.com\/en\/newsroom\/news-releases\/norfolk-southern-shareholders-approve-transaction-with-union-pac\">said separately<\/a>. &ldquo;Together with UP, we will make rail more competitive with highways, offering customers new, more attractive shipping alternatives, unleashing the industrial strength of American manufacturing and creating new sources of economic growth across the country.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>In late July, Union Pacific <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3484773\/union-pacific-merger-norfolk-southern-85-billion\/\">announced its pending acquisition<\/a> of Norfolk Southern to combine their extensive railroad portfolios. The move has since drawn the support of President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\">Donald Trump<\/a>, whose administration will likely approve the transaction.<\/p>\n<p>After meeting with Vena in September, Trump said the prospect &ldquo;sounds good to me&rdquo; and called Union Pacific a &ldquo;great railroad.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Both freight railroad companies are eyeing an early 2027 date to close the transaction, pending regulatory approval from the Surface Transportation Board.<\/p>\n<p>The merger has also received support from SMART-TD, the nation&rsquo;s largest railroad union, and various shipping companies. However, it has drawn criticism from BNSF Railway over concerns that Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern would cut the competition and lead to higher shipping rates for customers.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/premium\/3789581\/trump-regulator-firing-norfolk-southern-union-pacific-railroad-merger\/\">TRUMP MOVE PUSHES HUGE RAILROAD MERGER DOWN THE TRACKS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;No customer is asking for a UP-NS merger to happen. It&rsquo;s driven by Wall Street on the promise of a big shareholder payout,&rdquo; BNSF <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bnsf.com\/bnsf-resources\/news-media\/customer-notifications\/pdf\/2025-09-29%20BNSF%20Merger%20Position.pdf\">said in a document<\/a>. &ldquo;BNSF does not believe a merger is necessary at this time, when we can deliver immediate benefits to our customers while preserving competition.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Despite public concerns, Vena and George are optimistic that the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/trump-administration\/\">Trump administration<\/a> will approve the deal, given the president&rsquo;s pro-business agenda. They are also set to benefit from Trump&rsquo;s firing of a Democrat on the five-member Surface Transportation Board, the only member who opposed Canadian Pacific&rsquo;s successful $31 billion merger with Kansas City Southern in 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern shareholders approve $85B merger<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2159,"featured_media":2510658,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25317826985621.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[49337,67097,16537,8068,59804],"class_list":["post-2510656","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-norfolk-southern","tag-rail-merger","tag-shareholders","tag-transportation","tag-union-pacific"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25317826985621.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2510656","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2159"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2510656"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2510656\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2510661,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2510656\/revisions\/2510661"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2510658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2510656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2510656"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2510656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}