January 1, Mega Railroad Merger Threatens Competition

Wyatt’s Take

• Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern want to merge into one giant railway.
• This deal would give two firms too much power and hurts small-town America.
• History shows these mergers drive up shipping costs, cut jobs, and cause service delays.

The rail industry built America, shaping cities and trade for generations. A big merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern could put too much control in too few hands, chipping away at fair competition.

Competition matters, and without it, everyday families and businesses could face higher costs. As railroads already dominate supply chains, such a merger risks hiking prices and limiting choices for shippers and towns that depend on rail.

Railroads are vital, moving millions of tons of goods nationwide each year. They’re also big employers, providing over 150,000 direct jobs and backing hundreds of thousands more in support roles.

“The Trump Administration’s Surface Transportation Board should reject this merger, as it would harm consumers, workers, and the American economy.”

Union Pacific’s CEO has talked about sending National Guard troops to major rail hubs his company shares with Norfolk Southern. Cutting jobs has already left many workers and families bearing the brunt, especially in places like Texas, where blocked crossings are now common headaches.

Since 2018, job cuts at Union Pacific have made train delays and blocked crossings worse. Even though leadership claims current union jobs are safe, promises like these often fall flat after deals close.

With less competition, shipping fees and rail rates have gone up over 40% since the number of major railroads shrank. The merger is driven by investor profits instead of the needs of working Americans who rely on affordable shipping and good jobs.

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Wyatt Matters

When big companies gobble up competition, folks in Middle America end up paying the price with lost jobs, higher costs, and more headaches. Keeping power local and preserving choices protects families and small businesses that depend on a fair shake.