UP’s Big Boy Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday With Coast-to-Coast Tour

Union Pacific (UP) is joining in the celebration of 250 years of American independence and innovation this year with its first-ever coast-to-coast steam tour led by Big Boy No. 4014. The world’s largest operating steam locomotive will be joined by two commemorative locomotives, including the railroad’s newest locomotive: No. 1776 – America250.

NS is the highest-ranked railroad in the Trucking, Transportation, and Logistics category of Fortune’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies. (NS Photograph)

Class I Briefs: NS, UP

Norfolk Southern (NS) earns a spot on Fortune magazine’s list of World’s Most Admired Companies. Also, Union Pacific’s (UP) Trenton, Mo., Engineering team marks a safety milestone.

POLB CEO Noel Hacegaba on Jan. 15 gave his first State of the Port address, announcing a “record-setting 2025,” with nearly 9.9 million cargo containers moved with no backlogs or delays. (POLB Photograph)

Intermodal Briefs: POLB, SC Ports

Port of Long Beach, Calif., (POLB) sets a cargo record in 2025 and expects 2026 to be “another busy year shaped by changes in trade policies, tariff normalization and shifts in manufacturing sourcing.” Also, South Carolina Ports’ (SC Ports) Inland Port Dillon posts record rail moves in 2025.

“BNSF operating teams are focused on maintaining positive performance momentum across the network,” the Class I wrote in an online customer notification, dated Jan. 16. (Chart, Courtesy of BNSF)

Class I Briefs: BNSF, NS, CN

BNSF provides an operational performance update. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) generates record scrap metal revenue; and CN’s Material Planning team reaches 1,000-plus days “injury-free.”

Railway Age’s 2026 ‘Fast Trackers’ 25 Under 40 Honorees

Railway Age is pleased to announce the 25 “Fast Trackers” selected for this year’s 25 Under 40 awards program. This year’s honorees were selected from freight and passenger railroads; government entities; and

Class I Briefs: UP, NS

Union Pacific (UP) hosts U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer at its Training Center and Harriman Dispatching Center. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) joins the Smart Freight Centre.

Commentary

Vena to UP ‘Stakeholders’: ‘Clear on Our Vision and Strengths’

On Jan. 8, shortly following release of several customer letters and Surface Transportation Board filings from BNSF, CSX, CN and CPKC on the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger (which Railway Age has

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.

LOAD MORE