Class I Briefs: CSX, CN, UP, NS, CPKC

CSX and the CREATE program launch the first train over the Forest Hill Flyover. Also, CN’s Harvey Grain Facility is expanding capacity, enhancing safety, and opening new markets; Union Pacific (UP) hosts 200 customers in Omaha; Norfolk Southern (NS) installs new Gen-3 modems in locomotives; and Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CPKC) Wylie Mechanical Car team achieves 31 years injury-free.

Eric R. Byer (Alliance for Chemical Distribution Photograph)
Commentary

History Repeats: Shippers Shouldn’t Buy the UP-NS Narrative

For months, Union Pacific’s (UP) CEO Jim Vena has been on the offensive, touting possible benefits of the proposed merger between UP and Norfolk Southern (NS). He has spoken with POTUS 47,

(Shutterstock/ tong patong)

Railway Age Announces Women in Rail Honorees for 2025

Railway Age is celebrating nine years of recognizing women in the freight, passenger, government, and supply sectors. These trail blazers are not only excelling at leadership and community service but also driving the industry forward. This year, 25 railroaders earned the publication’s Women in Rail award.

Commentary

A Tectonic Shift on the Tracks: The Disruptive Potential of a Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger

The potential merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern has stirred up lots of talk and speculation around its possible impact, from safety issues to job opportunities and other likely scenarios impacting

“We are very proud of the relationship we have built with Nestlé Purina over the years and the work we have done together to grow both of our businesses,” said Jason Hess, Senior Vice President-Marketing and Sales for UP. “It’s been a great partnership that has only gotten better with age.” (UP Photograph)

Class I Briefs: CN, CPKC, UP

CN sets a grain movement record in September. Also, Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CPKC) KC locomotive shop reaches a safety milestone; and Union Pacific (UP) and Nestlé Purina’s Denver plant mark a 95-year partnership.

Commentary

Ocean of Liquidity Needs a Home

2026 RAILROAD FINANCIAL DESK BOOK, RAILWAY AGE OCTOBER 2025 ISSUE: Welcome to the 2026 Railroad Financial Desk Book. If you have made it through a tumultuous summer, you have finally reached the

Union Pacific’s Ryan Wee, Manager-Industrial Development (right), with Manner Polymers President and CEO Raj Bhargava. (Photograph Courtesy of UP)

Class I Briefs: UP, BNSF

Union Pacific (UP) readies to serve Manner Polymer’s new solar-powered manufacturing facility in Mount Vernon, Ill. Also, BNSF welcomes the first tenant to its logistics center in Cleveland, Tex.

Commentary

BNSF: UP+NS ‘Costly, Unnecessary, Anti-Competitive, Bad for the U.S. Economy’

Though Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have yet to file their formal merger application with the Surface Transportation Board, kicking off a process expected to take up to 18 months, the other

Pictured (from right) at a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new High Plains Processing plant in South Dakota: Justin Inman, Ag Marketing Manager, BNSF; Matt Morales, Director, Marketing, BNSF; Matt Jensen, Manager, Ag Operations Support, BNSF; Tom Kersting, CEO, South Dakota Soybean Processors; John Prohaska, Group Operations Manager, South Dakota Soybean Processors; Pat Gathman, Plant Manager, South Dakota Soybean Processors; Matt White, Assistant Vice President, Ag Marketing, BNSF; and Jesus Uribes, Ag Marketing Manager, BNSF.

Class I Briefs: BNSF, UP

BNSF welcomes the launch of a soybean processing plant in South Dakota, and marks a milestone at the Havelock Wheel Plant in Nebraska. Also, Union Pacific (UP) wraps up a Big Boy limited excursion tour in Colorado and Wyoming.

Commentary

Recusal for Primus if He Returns?

Democrat Robert E. Primus, fired Aug. 27 from his Senate-confirmed seat on the Surface Transportation Board (STB) by POTUS 47, wants his job back—and he is suing the Republican POTUS, as well

LOAD MORE