rail

BNSF Chief Disputes UP-NS Merger Safeguards, Warns of Rate Increases

BNSF's leadership rejected the latest regulatory submission from Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern on Tuesday. The western carrier said UP and NS's fourth application filing to the Surface Transportation Board still does not demonstrate how merging two major carriers would preserve competition under STB rules. BNSF criticized the operators' expanded Committed Gateway Pricing proposal, noting it would cover only 1% of rail shipments and include expiration dates. The combined entity would control approximately 37% of North American rail traffic, with an additional 13% through an operating agreement with Canadian National. BNSF warned the transaction between two financially healthy carriers would reduce shipper options and increase freight rates, ultimately raising consumer prices.