Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern expand merger commitments to STB

Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) and Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) filed supplemental information with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) adding four new or expanded customer commitments to their pending merger application, according to a press release from the companies.

The filing responds to requests made by the STB when it accepted the merger application as complete on May 28, 2026. The new commitments include an expansion of Committed Gateway Pricing that the companies say doubles the number of eligible shipments and extends benefits to bulk unit train shippers. The railroads also pledged to preserve Class I rail access for shippers that currently have three or two railroad options, including where they can legally grant access to another carrier.

Two additional commitments address service reliability and oversight. If service performance declines during merger integration, customers would be able to obtain temporary access to alternative rail service. A new rate relief process would also be available to customers if the merger's stated public benefits are not delivered on schedule.

In a separate filing on July 7, the companies addressed the STB's questions regarding jointly owned terminal railroads. Union Pacific has since reached a binding agreement with CN to transfer Norfolk Southern's interests in the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis and Kansas City Terminal Railway to CN, resolving ownership questions related to those entities.

Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena said the companies reviewed STB comments and customer feedback before adding the new commitments. Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George cited supply chain, safety, and environmental benefits in support of the transaction.

The companies said they have now completed all responses to the STB's supplemental information requests and expect the transaction to close in mid-2027, pending regulatory approval.

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