State of the Industry: 2025-2026
ATLANTA – Editor-in-Chief David C. Lester writes about the state of the rail industry as we transition from 2025 to 2026.
Union Pacific
WIR Conference 2025: Connecting, Inspiring, Innovating
Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures on Oct. 15-16 hosted the third-annual in-person Women in Rail Conference with a packed lineup of influential women and their allies, who shared experiences, celebrated achievements, and discussed the future
Union Pacific Says Computer Integration Meltdowns Won’t Be An Issue With UP+NS
CHICAGO –– Union Pacific Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer Rahul Jalali told reporters on a media day business train that UP-NS computer systems integration will go smoothly if the merger is approved.
Norfolk Southern Shareholders Approve Merger with Union Pacific
ATLANTA –– Norfolk Southern Corporation today announced that its shareholders voted overwhelmingly, with nearly 99% of the shares cast in favor, to approve its previously announced transaction with Union Pacific at the company’s Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) held earlier today.
POLB: Cargo Volumes ‘Steady’ Through October
LONG BEACH, Calif. –– In light of the uncertainties brought about by tariffs, the Port of Long Beach says “shifting trade policies have brought uncertainty to consumers and the supply chain, but cargo continues to move smoothly.”
ICC Approves Rail Crossing Upgrades
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved funds for the Gessell Road rail crossing near Kinmundy and at the 100 East Road rail crossing in Galesburg, Knox County.
Eliminating Paper Barriers is the Pro-Competitive Move –– Commentary from Railway Age
NEW YORK –– Prior to the Staggers of Act of 1980, the only way a Class I railroad could shed the cost of marginal or money losing light density rail line was abandonment.
CN on UP+NS Merger: ‘Our Customers’ Voices Must Be Heard’
Joining BNSF and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) in expressing their concerns about the proposed Union Pacific (UP)-MONTREAL –– Norfolk Southern (NS) merger, CN recently launched a page on its website encouraging its customers to speak up and file a Notice of Intent to Participate with the Surface Transportation Board (STB).
Hoeven, Klobuchar to STB: ‘Closely Scrutinize’ UP+NS
WASHINGTON, D.C. –– An Oct. 30 letter to the Surface Transportation Board co-authored by Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) asks the STB to “closely scrutinize” the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, stressing “the potential disruptions to U.S. rail service resulting from a merger of this scale” and “the need for the STB to fully analyze the potential impact on long-term competition, including for agriculture producers, many of whom already face limited options for accessing rail service.”
ICC Approves Upgrades in Kankakee and Carroll Counties
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has approved upgrades in both Kankakee County and Carroll County.
American Chemistry Council Sends Letter to POTUS 47 Sharing Concerns About UP+NS
WASHINGTON, D.C.–– The American Chemistry Council is not in favor of the proposed UP+NS merger and sent a letter about it to POTUS 47.
Just For Fun: Illinois Railway Museum to Restore Union Pacific DD40X #6930 to Operation
UNION, Ill.––While this is not within the normal purview of RT&S coverage, we occasionally like to announce major historic restoration projects that will interest rail employees and enthusiasts of all ages. The announcement of the DD40X restoration is one such project.
Port of Longview Lands $35.9MM Federal Loan for Rail Expansion
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau is loaning up to $35.9 million for Phase 1 of the Port of Longview’s Industrial Rail Corridor Expansion project in Washington state that is slated to double freight
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
UP’s Texas MoW Team Marks 23 Years Without Injury
SAN ANTONIO – Union Pacific congratulates its New Braunfels-Taylor Maintenance of Way team for 23 years of injury-free service.
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