CPKC CEO Keith Creel Opposes Proposed UP-NS Merger Refiling
In a strong statement issued on May 11, 2026, Keith Creel, the President and CEO of Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), expressed firm opposition to the recently refiled merger application by Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS). The merger application was submitted to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) on April 30, 2026, nearly four months after its initial filing, which has raised questions about the necessity and ramifications of this mega-merger.
Creel pointed out that the time taken for the re-submission indicates serious concerns about the proposal and its implications for the U.S. freight rail market. According to him, the proposed merger does not align with the stringent requirements laid out in the STB's updated 2001 major merger rules. Should this merger be approved, it could lead to approximately 50 percent of U.S. freight rail traffic being controlled by a single company, which presents significant risks to American businesses and workers.
The CPKC CEO emphasized that the merger could exacerbate supply chain vulnerabilities and negatively impact the economy, stating, "None of this serves the public interest. None of this serves the interests of shippers. All of it puts our supply chains and economy at needless risk." Creel criticized UP and NS for their lack of transparency, particularly in not adhering to STB's specific requirements for a detailed market impact analysis, a critical component for understanding how the merger would influence rail traffic flows for important commodities and corridors.
In response to the revised application, CPKC has formally submitted comments to the STB, highlighting these shortcomings and expressing their concerns. Creel posed pointed questions about UP's adherence to the STB’s instructions, suggesting there may be issues of compliance and accountability.
The union's history of market power abuse further complicates the situation, as concerns about the negative repercussions on competitive practices loom large. Creel urged stakeholders to participate actively in the regulatory review process initiated by the STB. He encouraged rail customers and other involved parties to file notices of intent to contribute their perspectives, stressing that voicing concerns is crucial as the merger proposal could have irreversible effects on the rail landscape.
As CPKC strives to advocate for fair competition, it aims to ensure that the interests of shippers and the integrity of the rail system are protected. CPKC also positions itself as a significant player in the North American transportation sector, with its continuous expansion and dedication to providing exceptional rail services to its customers. Its sprawling network connects regions across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, thus making CPKC an essential partner in freight transportation.
In conclusion, Keith Creel’s opposition to the UP-NS merger refile underscores significant concerns within the rail industry regarding competition, transparency, and regulatory adherence. As the STB prepares to evaluate the application's implications, it remains vital for all stakeholders to engage and voice their opinions in this pivotal moment for the future of North American rail transportation.
Creel pointed out that the time taken for the re-submission indicates serious concerns about the proposal and its implications for the U.S. freight rail market. According to him, the proposed merger does not align with the stringent requirements laid out in the STB's updated 2001 major merger rules. Should this merger be approved, it could lead to approximately 50 percent of U.S. freight rail traffic being controlled by a single company, which presents significant risks to American businesses and workers.
The CPKC CEO emphasized that the merger could exacerbate supply chain vulnerabilities and negatively impact the economy, stating, "None of this serves the public interest. None of this serves the interests of shippers. All of it puts our supply chains and economy at needless risk." Creel criticized UP and NS for their lack of transparency, particularly in not adhering to STB's specific requirements for a detailed market impact analysis, a critical component for understanding how the merger would influence rail traffic flows for important commodities and corridors.
In response to the revised application, CPKC has formally submitted comments to the STB, highlighting these shortcomings and expressing their concerns. Creel posed pointed questions about UP's adherence to the STB’s instructions, suggesting there may be issues of compliance and accountability.
The union's history of market power abuse further complicates the situation, as concerns about the negative repercussions on competitive practices loom large. Creel urged stakeholders to participate actively in the regulatory review process initiated by the STB. He encouraged rail customers and other involved parties to file notices of intent to contribute their perspectives, stressing that voicing concerns is crucial as the merger proposal could have irreversible effects on the rail landscape.
As CPKC strives to advocate for fair competition, it aims to ensure that the interests of shippers and the integrity of the rail system are protected. CPKC also positions itself as a significant player in the North American transportation sector, with its continuous expansion and dedication to providing exceptional rail services to its customers. Its sprawling network connects regions across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, thus making CPKC an essential partner in freight transportation.
In conclusion, Keith Creel’s opposition to the UP-NS merger refile underscores significant concerns within the rail industry regarding competition, transparency, and regulatory adherence. As the STB prepares to evaluate the application's implications, it remains vital for all stakeholders to engage and voice their opinions in this pivotal moment for the future of North American rail transportation.
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