OPINION:
As the country heads into a consequential year for economic policy and infrastructure investment, some of the most important decisions will be made not on the campaign trail, but by regulators weighing how America moves its goods.
One of those decisions — the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern — deserves careful, constructive attention. This isn’t about corporate headlines or political talking points. It’s about whether our regulatory system allows modernization that can strengthen supply chains, support rural communities and keep American producers competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
As a Kansan and a former member of Congress, I’ve seen firsthand how critical reliable transportation is to the strength of our economy. From wheat fields and feedlots to energy producers and manufacturers, our ability to compete depends on moving goods efficiently, safely and affordably across this country.
America’s energy and agricultural strength doesn’t stop at the point of production. It depends on the infrastructure that gets fuel, feedstocks and finished products to market.
For generations, rail has been one of the safest and most reliable ways to move freight across this country. It has connected farms to ports, factories to consumers and rural communities to opportunity.
Yet today, that system is under pressure. Outdated interchange points, unnecessary handoffs and limited coordination are slowing the movement of goods and eroding America’s competitive edge.
If we want America to remain competitive, we need to modernize the systems that move our goods. That is why the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern deserves serious consideration. This merger would strengthen our supply chains, enhance safety, and modernize the infrastructure that keeps our economy moving forward.
A unified coast-to-coast rail network would move freight more efficiently and reduce the bottlenecks that cost our economy valuable time and fuel. By eliminating unnecessary stops and idle time, trains could travel longer distances with fewer handoffs and lower emissions. That kind of efficiency matter to farmers shipping grain, manufacturers moving inputs and finished goods and energy producers delivering resources nationwide.
These improvements will make a real difference for American manufacturers, farmers and workers — those who rely on dependable, affordable freight service to stay competitive in a global marketplace.
Safety has always been a cornerstone of rail’s reputation. Rail remains one of the safest modes of transportation, but innovation can make it even safer. A combined UP-NS network would expand investments in predictive technology, advanced braking systems and real-time track monitoring – tools that prevent accidents before they happen.
Both Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have long histories of supporting safety, workforce development and emergency preparedness in the communities they serve, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to nonprofit programs. Union Pacific recently distributed more than four million dollars to rail safety nonprofits, while Norfolk Southern reached major injury-free milestones across its system – proof that steady investment and responsible leadership deliver results. Those commitments matter, especially in rural America – proof that steady investment and responsible leadership deliver results.
At the same time, rail must keep pace with a changing transportation landscape. Trucking companies are already testing autonomous vehicles on highways nationwide, and autonomous heavy-trucks are projected to deliver cost savings of about 42% compared with conventional long-haul trucks. If rail is going to remain a competitive and cost-effective option for shippers, it must be allowed to innovate, modernize and operate efficiently.
Modernization isn’t just about competitiveness – it’s about efficiency and quality of life. One study estimated that if 25 percent of the nation’s freight were shifted from truck to rail by 2025, highway commuters could save an average of 44 hours in travel time each year. Such shift would reduce congestion, cut emissions and relieve strain on our highways and bridges – benefiting every American who drives or does business on the road.
By modernizing the rail network, improving efficiency, and enabling smarter, safer operations, the merger will give rail the flexibility to compete fairly and keep America’s supply chains strong. It will protect jobs, reduce shipping costs, and ensure that the energy resources and manufactured goods produced in this country reach consumers at home and abroad.
Keeping our rail system competitive isn’t about corporate interests. It is about safeguarding American workers, supporting American producers, defending our economic independence, and ensuring that the next generation inherits a stronger, more resilient nation. This merger moves us closer to that goal. It keeps America on track.
• The Hon. Tim Huelskamp represented Kansas’s 1st District in Congress from 2011 to 2017, chaired the House Tea Party Caucus and was a member of the 2024 RNC Platform Committee.
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