CRN says blockbuster U.S. rail merger would be harmful

Executive Summary

• Canadian National Railway (CN) publicly opposes the Union Pacific‑Norfolk Southern merger, stating it would reduce competition and raise freight rates.
• CN argues the filing fails to meet Surface Transportation Board (STB) standards for public benefit and competition enhancement under both the 2001 and older merger rules.
• CN commits to active participation in the STB review process and urges other stakeholders to do the same.

Key Details

• CN’s statement was released on the morning of the filing by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.
• The company asserts that the proposed merger would give a single entity control of over 40 % of the U.S. freight rail market.
• CN contends that reduced competition would lead to higher prices for shippers and consumers, negatively impacting the economy.
• The filing is said to “fall well below” both the 2001 merger rules and the older STB merger standards concerning public benefit and competition.
• CN will actively engage in the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) review process, encouraging broader stakeholder participation.

Notable Quotes

“Protecting competition is not optional, it is essential to keep costs down and the economy sound.” – Jonathan Abecassis, Canadian National Railway

(All boilerplate company description and forward‑looking language have been omitted as per guidelines.)