Unions React to Union Pacificnorfolk Southern Merger Proposal

Unions React to Union Pacificnorfolk Southern Merger Proposal

The proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is under scrutiny, with labor unions expressing concerns about job security and fair treatment. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) will conduct a comprehensive review, balancing the interests of all stakeholders. The merger aims to enhance efficiency and improve service, with the anticipation of collaborative success and a new chapter in rail freight. The unions' perspective on job protection and equitable conditions will be a key factor in the STB's decision.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the comment deadline for its “Reciprocal Switching” proposal, which aims to provide poorly served freight rail shippers with the option to access other rail carriers. The new proposal establishes three key performance standards: service reliability, consistency, and local service. It also requires Class I railroads to provide historical data on service metrics. Industry response to the proposal has been mixed, but there's general agreement that it's intended to improve the quality of rail service.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Union Pacific Bets on Lean Operations to Transform Rail Industry

Union Pacific Bets on Lean Operations to Transform Rail Industry

US rail giant UP is implementing Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR), a lean operation strategy, to improve efficiency and service. However, learning from CSX's previous PSR implementation, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) is closely monitoring UP's transition. UP has pledged to learn from past mistakes, proceed cautiously, and has developed a detailed implementation plan. Analysts believe that the key to UP's success lies in its execution capabilities. The smooth transition and adherence to regulatory compliance will be crucial for UP's overall performance.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Supply Chain Dive Launches Tip Line for Industry Insights

Supply Chain Dive Launches Tip Line for Industry Insights

Supply Chain Dive opens a leak channel to uncover in-depth and impactful supply chain news through insider information from readers. This channel focuses on collecting news tips, not feedback or press releases. Readers can submit information via a designated form, collectively contributing to deeper industry reporting. We aim to surface critical issues and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing our audience with a more comprehensive understanding of the supply chain landscape. Your insights can help us shape the future of supply chain journalism.

01/06/2026 Logistics
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Stbs New Rules Aim to Ease Rail Freight Rate Disputes

Stbs New Rules Aim to Ease Rail Freight Rate Disputes

The US Surface Transportation Board (STB) has introduced two new rules to streamline railway freight rate dispute resolution, including a voluntary arbitration program and Final Offer Rate Review (FORR). However, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) strongly opposes these rules, citing “fatal flaws” in FORR and arguing the arbitration rules are “backwards.” Whether these new regulations will bring relief to shippers remains challenging, and shippers need to carefully assess the implications. The future impact of these regulations is uncertain amidst ongoing debate and potential legal challenges.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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CPKC Merger Approved Transforming North American Rail Freight

CPKC Merger Approved Transforming North American Rail Freight

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has approved Canadian Pacific Railway's (CP) $31 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern (KCS), marking a new era for North American rail freight. The merged CPKC will be the first railway connecting the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, fostering trade growth, reducing highway congestion, promoting investment and job creation, and improving transportation efficiency. This merger reshapes the North American freight landscape by creating a single-line service across the continent, offering shippers new options and enhancing competition in the rail industry.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Firms Under Fire for Service Failures After Staff Reductions

US Rail Firms Under Fire for Service Failures After Staff Reductions

Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Martin Oberman sharply criticized the four major railroads at the RailTrends conference, attributing their service crisis to 'self-inflicted' workforce reductions. He argued that these cuts have diminished rail transport capacity, significantly harming the U.S. economy. Oberman emphasized the need for railroads to balance shareholder interests with the public good and rebuild a healthy industry ecosystem. He believes the current service problems stem directly from prioritizing profits over reliable service and adequate staffing, leading to widespread disruptions in rail freight.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Rail Industry Addresses Trends Challenges at Railtrends Conference

Rail Industry Addresses Trends Challenges at Railtrends Conference

Leaders from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) addressed key issues in rail freight at the RailTrends conference. Discussions centered on regulatory challenges, the industry's image, labor relations, and the Surface Transportation Board's (STB) regulatory policies. They emphasized the need for enhanced industry collaboration to proactively address these challenges, improve labor relations, and enhance service quality. The overall goal is to collectively usher in a new era for rail transportation, fostering growth and sustainability.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Merger Delay Threatens 85B Supply Chain Impact

US Rail Merger Delay Threatens 85B Supply Chain Impact

The delayed submission of the $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern has sent shockwaves through the industry. This merger aims to create a transcontinental railroad empire spanning the East and West coasts of the United States. However, it faces opposition from competitor BNSF and concerns from labor unions. The Surface Transportation Board's (STB) ultimate decision will determine the future landscape of the American railroad industry, impacting supply chains and competition. The outcome will significantly reshape how goods are transported across the nation.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Rail Merger Delayed Over Antitrust Concerns

Rail Merger Delayed Over Antitrust Concerns

The proposed $850 billion merger between Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) has been delayed, sending shockwaves through the industry. BNSF strongly opposes the merger, questioning its competitive implications. A successful merger would create the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S., reshaping the industry landscape. The Surface Transportation Board's (STB) ruling will be crucial and have far-reaching consequences. The delay highlights the intense scrutiny and potential antitrust concerns surrounding such a significant consolidation in the railroad sector, impacting supply chains and market dynamics.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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