Union Pacific is moving forward with plans to merge with Norfolk Southern, aiming to create a coast-to-coast rail network that enhances service for customers and positions the company to better compete with advances in the trucking and shipping industries. The combined network is expected to provide seamless rail service across the U.S., replacing many truck routes with rail hand-offs and improving cost-effectiveness for manufacturers. Union Pacific has invested nearly $50 billion in capital and operating costs over the past three years and anticipates spending an additional $2 billion to integrate the Norfolk Southern network. The company reports strong support for the merger from customers and other stakeholders and has recently implemented the NetControl transportation system to support operational excellence during the integration process.