Trucking giant JB Hunt Transport may need to rethink its east coast freight routing if Union Pacific's proposed US$85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern is approved, opines New York's Journal of Commerce.

The intermodal giant hauls over two million loads annually and operates more than 125,000 containers. It maintains long-standing ties with BNSF Railway in the west and works with both Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation in the east.

While some analysts speculate JB Hunt could shift traffic to CSX, company executives say there's no requirement to abandon Norfolk Southern. Darren Field, head of intermodal, said the current NS footprint remains viable.

JB Hunt has already begun using new BNSF-CSX services launched in September, including routes from Phoenix to Atlanta and Southern California to Charlotte and Jacksonville. NS reported minor volume losses in the southeast and expects further erosion.

BNSF opposes the merger, warning that 300 intermodal lanes could disappear. CSX argues collaboration, not consolidation, is the better path to shift freight from trucks to rail.

JB Hunt CEO Shelley Simpson said his long-term agreements with NS, CSX and BNSF provide flexibility. The company grew east coast intermodal volume by six per cent in Q3, while west coast freight declined six per cent.

NS remains vital to JB Hunt's network, offering access to key Pennsylvania distribution hubs and a single-line service from Kansas City to the east coast. Its Crescent Corridor provides faster transits than CSX on high-volume routes.

UP has pledged to honour JB Hunt's NS partnership if the merger proceeds. Meanwhile, CSX's double-stack clearance through Baltimore next spring could unlock new BNSF-CSX routes to Philadelphia and Newark.

The BNSF-JB Hunt Quantum Agreement links profitability to intermodal volume. If CSX offers lower rates and seamless interchanges, shared revenue could rise. JB Hunt must balance growing CSX ties without alienating NS, potentially spurring competition that benefits shippers.