BNSF CEO states the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger fails to address antitrust concerns and will increase costs for shippers.
BNSF Railway President Katie Farmer criticized the Union Pacific (UNP) and Norfolk Southern (NSC) merger filing, stating it will raise shipping rates and consumer prices. The latest regulatory submission, the fourth attempt, does not alter the core proposal’s anticompetitive impact, according to BNSF (BRK-B).
The combined entity would control 37% of North American rail traffic, with a 50% market share in key corridors. BNSF argues the merger’s proposed safeguards are limited in scope and duration, failing to mitigate reduced competition. The Surface Transportation Board conditionally accepted the merger application in late May.
The merger partners completed a supplemental filing on Monday, addressing STB requests for additional information. Farmer dismissed the updates as insufficient, citing unclear processes and narrow customer eligibility.