FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--December 19, 2025-- 
 
   BNSF President & CEO Katie Farmer issued the following statement on the 
UP merger application filing: 
 
 
   "While we are still reviewing the STB filing and will have more to say 
soon, what we have seen so far does not change BNSF's opposition to the 
proposed merger. The transaction poses a significant threat to the U.S. 
economy and the American consumer through its long-term competitive 
harms. It would leave shippers with fewer options--driving higher rates 
and ultimately higher prices for consumers. This didn't begin with 
customers asking for this merger, and the claimed public benefits appear 
to accrue primarily to shareholders. Past mergers demonstrate the risk 
of serious service failures with destructive impacts to customers, the 
U.S. rail network and the American economy. 
 
 
   This is precisely why the STB strengthened its merger rules: applicants 
must now prove their deal will not only preserve but enhance 
competition; that it serves the public interest, and its purported 
benefits can't be delivered through partnerships. BNSF is confident that 
UP has not met these requirements. UP has a long history of making 
promises in past mergers that they back away from once they've secured 
approval. BNSF remains focused on achieving these same benefits through 
partnership and collaboration which results in streamlined service, and 
greater operational flexibility--delivering real, immediate benefits to 
customers." 
 
 
   -- BNSF President & CEO Katie Farmer 
 
 
   # # # 
 
 
   About BNSF Railway 
 
 
   BNSF Railway is one of North America's leading freight transportation 
companies. BNSF operates approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 
states and three Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters 
of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and 
industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food, 
and beverages. BNSF's shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power 
American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have 
developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient 
railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of 
the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to 
our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about 
BNSF at www.BNSF.com. 
 
 
 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251219526978/en/

 
 
    CONTACT:    Kendall Kirkham Sloan 
 
   Director of External Communications 
 
 
   Media@BNSF.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 19, 2025 09:53 ET (14:53 GMT)