Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena said shippers will retain access to other rail networks following the proposed merger with Norfolk Southern, but warned that cooperation agreements often fail to match the efficiency of a unified network, reported New York's Journal of Commerce.

Speaking at Inland '25, Mr Vena said the merger would eliminate rubber-tire interchanges and cut transit times by 24 to 48 hours. He cited UP's 20-hour average dwell time and promised uninterrupted coast-to-coast service.

The merged network would also reduce congestion in Chicago by routing traffic through smaller hubs such as Kansas City and Louisville. Mr Vena said UP would continue offering the UMAX shared container service with CSX if shippers preferred it.

CSX vice president Andrew Johnson said the company remains committed to UMAX, noting a recent weekly volume record and the benefits of steel-wheel interchange in Chicago.

Mr Vena criticised Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) for limiting train lengths on the Meridian Speedway, a 320-mile track jointly owned with NS. He said CPKC now allows only 8,000-foot trains, down from 11,000 feet under Kansas City Southern.

NS filed a complaint with the Surface Transportation Board, alleging CPKC breached commitments made during its 2023 merger. Mr Vena said the restrictions have forced NS to run two trains instead of one to serve parcel shippers like FedEx and UPS.

He argued that cooperation agreements are hampered by inconsistent operations between railroads. Mr Johnson disagreed, saying interline partnerships remain viable and effective regardless of the merger outcome.