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Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern Unveil Expanded Customer Protections in Merger Push

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern strengthened their case for combining into America's first transcontinental railroad, filing supplementary protections with the Surface Transportation Board as merger review progresses.

The carriers unveiled four new commitments addressing shipper concerns: expanded committed pricing programs for bulk unit train operators, broader protections preserving Class I rail options for affected shippers, temporary access to alternative rail service if integration disrupts operations, and a new rate relief process if promised benefits fail to materialize.

Chief Executive Jim Vena said the measures reflect customer feedback and regulatory guidance. The carriers emphasize the combination would reduce route overlap, improve direct routing, cut handoffs, and expand port and international gateway access. The filing represents a strategic shift toward concrete shipper protections rather than broad strategic arguments.