Union Pacific Pushes Back Merger Filing Date to December 16

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have delayed the filing of their merger application with federal regulators until December 16, citing a contractor's need for additional time. The application, expected to run over 4,000 pages, will detail the railroad's growth projections and operating plan. Opposition from other Class I railroads, including BNSF Railway, has intensified in recent weeks, arguing that the merger will harm competition and lead to service problems. Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena believes the opposition stems from a desire to compete against the advantages of a transcontinental UP system.