Omaha, Neb. and Atlanta – September 19, 2026 -- More than 500 customers across the U.S. freight economy have publicly backed the proposed combination of Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) and Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC), with support expanding through new Surface Transportation Board (STB) filings. Twenty-three additional shippers from agriculture, energy, fertilizer, forest products, food and automotive sectors submitted statements citing expanded market access and stronger supply chains as core benefits of a single coast-to-coast rail network.
New filings add 150 letters to a growing shipper coalition
Recent submissions included more than 150 new letters from customers, first responder organizations, community leaders and elected officials. Combined with over 2,000 statements filed alongside the railroads' amended application, the volume reflects broadening institutional backing for the transaction as it moves through regulatory review.
Executives project $3.5 billion in annual savings from the merger
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern expect the combined network to generate approximately $3.5 billion in annual savings, which the companies say will likely be passed on to consumers. The deal is projected to shift an estimated 2.1 million truckloads annually from highways onto rail. The transaction remains subject to STB review and oversight, with closing targeted for the third or fourth quarter of 2027.
Agriculture and energy shippers cite single-line reliability gains
Ben Sweat, COO of POET Biofuels, said single-line access to additional markets could expand opportunities for bioethanol and DDGS, supporting rural economic growth and lowering consumer prices if executed well. KC Graner, CEO of Central Farm Service, said end-to-end movement on one railroad would let the company respond faster to shifting agricultural supply and demand. Matt Keener, vice president at Independent Salt Company, said improved reach and reliability would open customer relationships not currently viable under the existing rail framework.
Jeramie Weller, general manager of Minnesota Soybean Processors, said a more seamless network would help align U.S. soybean and biodiesel supply with Northeast demand. Cade Young, executive vice president at RoyOMartin, cited enhanced market responsiveness and expanded reach across housing and industrial markets.
Logistics and trucking firms see rail as a stronger growth platform
Phillip Yeager, president and vice chairman of Hub Group, said the combination would give the company a more compelling platform to pursue new business and shift freight off congested highways onto rail. Adam Miller, CEO of Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, said the unified network would strengthen the resilience of the U.S. freight system and improve supply chain efficiency for its intermodal operations. Bill Johnson, president of Johnson Timber, said strengthened rail competition would help keep prices low while supporting domestic investment and job creation.
Time-sensitive shippers point to reduced interchange delays
David Delaney, CEO of Itafos, said every rail interchange adds transit time and dwell risk, a critical issue for heat- and time-constrained products like Superphosphoric Acid. He said a seamless coast-to-coast network would reduce those barriers and expand the geography in which the company can sell the product responsibly. Chelsea Deeney, senior rail analyst at Ferrellgas, said reliable coast-to-coast propane movement through a single point of contact would make the company a stronger supplier during peak demand periods. Raymond Clay, terminal manager at Cody Group Inc, said a single transcontinental railroad would simplify bidding and operations through one sales contact, one waybill and one tracing system.
Kenny Rocker, executive vice president-Marketing and Sales at Union Pacific, said customers are evaluating the transaction based on service, reliability and growth, and that their support reflects confidence in a stronger future for freight rail.