Michael Gorman, the Niehaus Chair in Business Analytics and Operations Management at the University of Dayton, says the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger represents a fundamental shift in how goods move across the country.
As Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern officially filed their transcontinental merger application with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board today — Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 — logistics experts are weighing in on what the deal could mean for the average American consumer.
Michael Gorman, the Niehaus Chair in Business Analytics and Operations Management at the University of Dayton, says the $85 billion deal represents a fundamental shift in how goods move across the country.
“This merger creates a ‘direct flight’ for freight,” said Gorman. “Right now, moving goods across the country often requires switching between railroads or transferring to trucks for the final legs of the journey. By eliminating those handoffs, rail becomes a faster, cheaper alternative.”
A solution for highway congestion
According to Gorman, the most visible impact for many Americans won't be on the tracks, but on the roads. The merger application projects shifting millions of truckloads from highways to rail annually.
“The result is fewer trucks on the highway, cleaner air and potentially lower costs for consumers,” Gorman added.
Historically, "inter-line" handoffs — where one railroad must pass cargo to a competitor — have been a major pain point for shippers, leading many to choose trucking despite the higher cost. Gorman’s analysis suggests a single-line, coast-to-coast network finally allows rail to compete with the speed of the trucking industry.
Media who would like to interview Gorman can email mediarelations@udayton.edu.