BNSF reported that 2025 was the “best year ever” for safety in the company’s 177-year history. (Photograph Courtesy of BNSF)

Class I Briefs: BNSF, NS, CSX

BNSF marks 2025 as the safest year in its history. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) surpasses $18.2 million in charitable giving in 2025; and CSX reveals the “Spirit of Kingman” tribute on locomotive No. 8400.

A culture of “mentorship, open communication and a commitment to the why behind each safety protocol” helps UP’s Livonia, La., locomotive team achieve a safety milestone. (UP Photograph)

Class I Briefs: UP, BNSF, NS

Union Pacific’s (UP) Livonia, La., locomotive team marks a safety milestone. Also, BNSF delivers the first load to its new Oklahoma City intermodal ramp; and Norfolk Southern (NS) helps support careers for survivors of human trafficking.

(Courtesy of UP)

UP+NS Merger Application ‘Complete’? (UPDATED 1/8)

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) “should reject the efforts of a few parties … to delay and prolong this proceeding by claiming the [recently filed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern] Application [seeking authorization to

Tom G. Williams (Courtesy of BNSF)
Commentary

UP-NS Merger Application Filed: What it Means for BNSF Customers

Dear Customers: As I shared, Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) filed their merger application with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, as we headed into the holiday.

Class I Briefs: BNSF, UP

BNSF delivers the first load to its new intermodal ramp in Oklahoma City. Also, Union Pacific (UP) introduces a new GPS-powered platform developed by supply chain technology partner Blume Global.

Northstar Line cab car 604 leading a train south through Elk River, Minn. Wikimedia Commons/Mulad

Minnesota Shutters Northstar Commuter Rail (UPDATED 1/5)

Northstar service between Minneapolis and Big Lake, Minn., was shuttered Jan. 4, with buses replacing trains along the route, according to local media reports. The Minnesota Star Tribune and other media outlets

BNSF, CN, CPKC, CSX, NGFA: UP+NS Merger Application ‘Incomplete’

All four Class I railroads—BNSF, CN, CPKC, CSX—that will remain independent, at least in the short term, if the Surface Transportation Board approves the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, have given the application

This year, we made meaningful investments across our network to improve our railroad, our industry, and the communities we serve. (NS Photograph)

Class I Briefs: NS, CSX, BNSF

Norfolk Southern (NS) provides a progress report on networkwide investment in 2025. Also, CSX teams with Genesee Valley Transportation and New York & Atlantic on a new rail move in New York State; and BNSF and J.B. Hunt Transport Services honor “fallen heroes” in California.

Darigold’s facility at Reimann Industrial Center in Pasco, Wash., a BNSF Certified Site. (Courtesy of BNSF)

Class I Briefs: BNSF, NS

BNSF celebrates Darigold’s new facility at its Certified Site in Pasco, Wash., and officially closes its 7,000th highway/rail grade crossing. Also, Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Safety Train marks 10 years of first-responder education.

CPKC AVP of U.S. Government Affairs Larry Lloyd (far left) who traveled to Washington, D.C., with President and CEO Keith Creel (center), where they met with Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas), among others. (Courtesy of Lloyd)

Class I Briefs: BNSF, CSX, CN, CPKC

BNSF provides an operational performance update and marks the 11th consecutive month of “record-breaking” terminal dwell. Also, Newsweek ranks CSX as No. 1 in the Transportation and Logistics category of its 2026 Most Responsible Companies List; CN teams with Ts’îl Kaz Koh First Nation on an emergency preparedness and spill response exercise; and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) President and CEO Keith Creel visits Capitol Hill.

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