Union Pacific Rivals Launch Fresh Attacks on Merger Application

A federal panel should reject on technical grounds a Dec. 19 application from Union Pacific Corp. and Norfolk Southern Corp. to form the nation’s first transcontinental freight railroad in a potentially $85 billion deal, rivals said.

The two railroads should resubmit their application with more details on how a combined railroad would enhance competition as required by the Surface Transportation Board, according to respective Dec. 29 filings by CPKC and CSX Corp.

“If Ebenezer Scrooge was able to spend quality time with the Ghost of Christmas Future reviewing the grim consequences of his behavior, surely on the ...