BNSF Criticizes UP-NS Merger Proposal

The proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger would put 45 percent of the freight that moves by rail today in the hands of one company. BNSF Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs Amy McBeth said it is important for agricultural shippers to have access to more than one railroad. “This proposal would really limit that option,” said McBeth. “What that has the effect of doing is allowing one railroad to dictate your service, meaning your service could degrade or increase your prices because they’re going to favor the move that they could make for the long haul versus interchange traffic coming from a railroad that’s not UP or not NS, so it definitely has the potential to increase prices for shippers throughout the country.” Due to agriculture’s dependence on rail, McBeth said the Surface Transportation Board hears from farmers and ag businesses. The STB review of the proposed UP-NS merger is expected to last another 12 to 18 months.