Computer Integration is Not an Issue to Dissuade Mergers

ATLANTA – from the September 2025 issue of Railway Track and Structures, Editor-in-Chief David Lester writes about computer integration after railroad mergers.

Did Primus Engineer His Own Ouster? –– Commentary

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– The firing by POTUS 47 of outspoken Surface Transportation Board (STB) member and Democrat Robert E. Primus Aug. 27 leaves the five-member agency short two members as it awaits a formal merger application from Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS). By early morning Aug. 28, Primus’ name was removed from the STB website’s listing of members.

WIR 2025: How Railroads Merge Environmental Responsibility and Operations

Freight and passenger railroads support communities, ensure reliable service for customers and consumers, and move the economy forward—sustainably and with a commitment to environmental stewardship. The Women in Rail 2025 Conference, presented by Railway

Executives Offer Personal Branding Advice at WIR 2025

The Women in Rail 2025 Conference, presented by Railway Age and RT&S, will feature a dynamic panel of executives, who will help you move forward in your current position or make a larger leap. In this

6,600 UP MoW Workers Ratify Contract

NOVI, Mich. – Represented by the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (BMWED), 6,600 MoW workers at Union Pacific ratified a five-year contract to guarantee raises of 18.5 percent.

‘Railroading’s Heroes’: Military Veterans Share Successes at WIR 2025

The Women in Rail 2025 Conference, presented by Railway Age and RT&S, will feature a panel of railroaders covering how having a background in the military adds to their success in leadership roles across the freight

Rail Crossing Safety Upgrades Approved in Muskingum and Warren Counties

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, PUCO, approved rail crossing upgrades in Muskingum and Warren counties.

Railway Age Commentary Around UP+NS Proposed Merger – ‘It Will All Come Down to This’

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Cutting to the chase on the 2027 STB merger decision: On July 30, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern submitted to the Surface Transportation Board their prefiling notification, which is basically a heads up on their official merger application, expected in three to six months (between Oct. 30, 2025 and Jan. 29, 2026).

Norfolk Southern Uses Goats To Control Kudzu Growth

ATLANTA – Norfolk Southern is using goats to control the kudzu growth at Inman Yard in Atlanta.

WIR 2025: Building Your ‘Leadership Toolkit’

The Women in Rail 2025 Conference, presented by Railway Age and RT&S, will feature a dynamic panel of industry mentors, who will help you build your “leadership toolkit.” They will provide winning strategies and hard-earned lessons

Vena’s Art of the Deal With NS – Commentary

OMAHA and ATLANTA –– Union Pacific’s (UP) much-anticipated bid for Norfolk Southern (NS) was announced July 29. Both now embark on a lengthy review process, but we see the potential approval pathway justified due to U.S. supply chain benefits. NS operates well, supporting a pivot in focus to the review process. NS takeout PT moves to $320 in line with the announcement. Reiterate Buy as entry point is attractive while event-based investors remain on the sidelines.

UP+NS: An ‘Absolute Monster of a Railroad’ Commentary

Since a Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger is now in process, I wanted to share data giving a sense of the absolute monster of a railroad UP+NS would represent. To do this, below I’ve taken

Well, The Cat’s Out of the Bag: Merger Talk Arrived Sooner Than We Thought

ATLANTA – From the August 2025 issue of RT&S, Editor-in-Chief David Lester writes about Class I merger chatter.

Executives Discuss ‘Allyship to Action’ at Women in Rail 2025

Fostering a supportive environment that lifts up talent and recognizes an individual’s or project’s contribution to the organization or community is key.

Union Pacific + Norfolk Southern: It’s Official

OMAHA and ATLANTA –– The speculation is over: Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern at 7:00 AM EDT announced their agreement to, in a combined cash and stock transaction valued at more than $250 billion, merge and create the first U.S. transcontinental railroad. Union Pacific is the acquiring company; the Norfolk Southern name and iconic “Thoroughbred” prancing horse logo on a black locomotive carbody will fade into history as another fallen flag—just like all prior UP acquisitions (Missouri Pacific, Western Pacific, Missouri–Kansas–Texas, Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific, Chicago & North Western, Southern Pacific).

Getting Closer to a Merger Deal? Commentary

OMAHA and ATLANTA –– Unconfirmed reports over the weekend noted a Class I merger is close. These reports were preceded by actions by the STB that show the agency is preparing to handle a review in a more expedited fashion with a merger resource page already up, and a notice that the Board is embarking on taking steps to expedite regulatory processes. We continue to believe a deal is highly likely between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.

Meet the ‘Leadership Journeys’ Lineup for Women in Rail 2025

Railway Age and RT&S are returning to Chicagoland on Oct. 15-16 for the third annual Women in Rail Conference. This year’s program features trailblazing women and their allies who are significantly influencing today’s freight, passenger and transit

Report: UP/NS Merger Afoot?

OMAHA and ATLANTA ––Union Pacific (UP) is in early-stage discussions to acquire Norfolk Southern (NS), “according to people familiar with the matter,” The Wall Street Journal reported July 17. “[T]here are no

NS’s Adams Tops 2025 Women in Rail Lineup

Topping the list of reasons to attend the much-anticipated 2025 Women in Rail Conference is kick-off speaker Annie Adams, Chief Human Resources Officer at Norfolk Southern (NS). Railway Age and RT&S are proud to return to Chicagoland on Oct. 15-16

Next-Level Safety and Efficiency

RAILWAY AGE, JULY 2025 ISSUE: Automated train inspection portals are turning “finders into fixers,” reducing risk exposure, mechanical-caused safety incidents and network disruptions.

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