UP Defends Merger Traffic Study Against CN Criticism

Key Details Union Pacific executives pushed back on Canadian National's claims that UP and Norfolk Southern underestimated traffic projections in their merger application. Kenny Rocker, UP's executive vice president of marketing and sales, stated the traffic study used the same methodology and expert that CN employed for its own Iowa Northern merger. Why It Matters The Surface Transportation Board rejected the initial UP-NS merger application citing incomplete information on market share and other issues. A revised filing is due by April 30, and the ongoing dispute over traffic forecasting could influence regulatory decisions on whether the merger benefits shippers and the broader rail network. Operational Update Rocker also reported strong operational metrics for UP this week, with freight car velocity at 226 miles per day and train velocity at 20 mph. The carrier noted successful service restoration across several impacted network areas over the past month, demonstrating operational resilience as the merger process continues.