CN Responds to UP and NS STB Filing

MONTREAL, Dec. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The application filed this morning by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern fails to demonstrate that the merger would enhance competition or generate significant public benefits that would require a merger. It falls well below both the 2001 and old merger rules set out by the Surface Transportation Board (STB).

The statement from CN (Canadian National Railway Company) on the recent filing made by UP (Union Pacific Railroad) and NS (Norfolk Southern Railway) with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) highlights critical regulatory and operational considerations within the rail industry. This filing involves requests regarding merger and acquisition of rail lines, and CN expresses its position on the implications of this move.

CN underlines that it has a strong commitment to providing safe and efficient service, while fostering healthy competition within the rail sector. The filing by UP and NS is seen as a significant development that could affect competitive dynamics and operational efficiencies. CN warns that such combinations could potentially reduce competition, leading to increased rates and lower service quality for customers.

The competition in the rail industry is paramount for ensuring that shipping rates remain fair and services stay reliable. CN emphasizes the importance of the STB's role in overseeing these types of transactions and ensuring that they do not hinder competition within the rail market. According to CN, it’s essential that all stakeholders, including consumers and businesses, remain vigilant about how these filings might affect their operations and costs.

Furthermore, CN outlines that it stands ready to collaborate with the STB and other industry participants to maintain openness and transparency within the rail sector. By making its concerns clear, CN aims to encourage public discussion on the potential repercussions of significant rail mergers and acquisitions. This engagement is crucial in safeguarding the industry’s competitive landscape and ensuring that no single entity can dominate the market at the expense of the entire infrastructure.

In summary, CN’s statement reflects its proactive stance in the face of UP and NS's filing with the STB. It reiterates the commitment to competitive integrity within the rail sector while making a case for regulatory oversight in terms of potential mergers. The company’s focus on maintaining fair rates and reliable services resonates with the interests of its customers and key stakeholders, urging them to be part of this ongoing dialogue.