Canadian Pacific Kansas City Responds to Union and Norfolk Southern Merger Application

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Responds to UP-NS Merger Application

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has officially addressed the recent merger application filed by Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) on December 19, 2025. This momentous application raises significant questions about the implications for the greater rail network in the United States.

According to CPKC's statement, the company has just begun the process of analyzing the extensive documentation submitted within the merger application. Their examination will encompass two critical perspectives. First, assessing whether the application adheres to the Board's Major Merger Rules established in 2001. Second, determining if the merger proposal serves in the public interest.

The STB's procedures dictate that by January 18, 2026, they will decide whether to accept the merger application or reject it based on insufficient information. If accepted, it will lead to a comprehensive public interest evaluation that includes a diverse range of concerns, reflecting the potential impact of this exceptional merger.

The prospective UP-NS merger is unprecedented in both scale and implications. If approved, it could result in a radical transformation of the U.S. rail network, posing significant risks to customers, rail employees, and the broader supply chain. CPKC articulated its confidence in the STB's ability to thoroughly scrutinize the multitude of short and long-term public interest impacts stemming from this massive proposal, especially regarding the competitive landscape currently enjoyed by rail customers.

In their commitment to transparency and involvement, CPKC plans to actively participate throughout the merger review process and urges other stakeholders, including shippers, receivers, associations, and government entities, to examine the submitted application rigorously. They encourage all parties to express their concerns about how this merger could affect their operations, specifically regarding limitations on rail shipping options, potential rate pressures, and risks to service quality.

Emphasizing their status as an influential player in the North American rail industry, CPKC bases its operations out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. CPKC is noted for being the first and only single-line transnational railway connecting Canada, the United States, and Mexico, offering unparalleled access to key ports from Vancouver to the Gulf Coast.

With an extensive network of roughly 20,000 route miles, CPKC employs 20,000 railroaders, striving to deliver exceptional service and connectivity to essential markets across North America. As it continues its development alongside customers, CPKC not only offers freight transportation services but also provides logistics solutions and supply chain expertise to enhance overall efficiency within the industry.

In the light of these upcoming regulatory processes, stakeholders are encouraged to remain informed and engaged, as the future of rail transportation may hinge on this landmark merger application. CPKC urges all affected parties to share their insights with the STB, ensuring that every voice is heard as this critical discussion unfolds.