Trade groups representing agriculture, manufacturing and energy have sent a joint letter to the Surface Transportation Board, voicing ‘serious concerns’ about the proposed merger between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific railroads. The Agricultural Retailers Association said it is opposed to any deal that hurts the affordability, reliability or safety of rail service. The Freight Rail Customer Alliance stated that captive shippers, in particular, require guaranteed, competitive solutions that are effective and enforceable. Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific claim a single coast-to-coast network will deliver faster, more competitive rail service.
