BNSF calls on shippers to speak out on UP-NS deal

BNSF Railway Co. is encouraging its customers to share their views about preserving rail competition as the Surface Transportation Board prepares to evaluate Union Pacific Railroad's proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern Railway in an $85 billion deal.

In a Sept. 29 customer notification posted on BNSF's website, BNSF Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Tom Williams asks customers to voice concerns over issues including how the merger would impact their industries and facilities and the potential for service disruptions.

"The STB cannot assume the full impact of this merger — they need to hear directly from stakeholders like you," Williams wrote. "Your feedback will help ensure that the Board has a clear understanding of the practical implications for shippers, industries and communities."

UP and NS have not yet filed their application with the STB, which must approve the proposal before it moves forward. One thing the board will evaluate is how the proposed combination of the two Class Is, which would create the first single U.S. transcontinental railroad, would enhance competition. 

Williams' notification includes step-by-step recommendations for how customers can challenge the UP-NS merger proposal. 

Meanwhile, BNSF also has issued a white paper that outlines how the UP-NS merger would hurt the U.S. economy.

"No customer is asking for a UP-NS merger to happen. It’s driven by Wall Street on the promise of a big shareholder payout," the white paper states. "BNSF does not believe a merger is necessary at this time, when we can deliver immediate benefits to our customers while preserving competition."

The white paper can downloaded here.