Press Release · Powering America Podcast
Transportation Analyst Says UP-NS Merger Would Harm Shippers and Communities
Published · Featuring Arnav Rao of Open Markets Institute
Arnav Rao of the Open Markets Institute discusses the potential negative impacts of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger on shippers and communities.
Arnav Rao, a transportation policy analyst at the Open Markets Institute, discusses the implications of the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger on rail transportation, market competition, and economic impact in the latest episode of the Powering America Podcast. The conversation covers topics including merger regulation, the effects on shippers and communities, and the overall efficiency of rail versus trucking.
WASHINGTON — September 22, 2026 — In the latest episode of the Powering America Podcast, Arnav Rao from the Open Markets Institute examines the potential consequences of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger on rail transportation and market competition. The discussion highlights the implications for shippers, communities, and the broader economy.
Rao emphasizes that the merger could exacerbate existing issues in the rail industry, including pricing power and service reliability. He notes that railroads have raised prices significantly since the early 2000s, which has driven some traffic away from rail and into trucking. "Even if we have a single line service, there's no guarantee that the railroad would pass those efficiencies on to shippers," Rao said.
The merger could also have a profound impact on communities. Rao points out that Union Pacific accounts for more blocked crossing reports than all other Class I railroads combined. He warns that increased rail traffic could lead to more blocked crossings, which would disrupt local communities. "Farmers' grain silos really feel the pinch from those increased costs," he said, highlighting the economic strain on agricultural sectors reliant on rail transport.
The Open Markets Institute is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting fair competition and addressing the challenges of monopolistic practices in various industries. The organization advocates for policies that foster equitable economic growth and democratic governance.
About the Powering America Podcast
The Powering America Podcast explores topics related to energy, infrastructure, policy, and economic growth. The show features experts and analysts discussing current events and trends that shape the future of America's economy and infrastructure systems.
About Open Markets Institute
The Open Markets Institute is a Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit think tank focused on countering monopoly power and promoting competitive markets that support democracy and broadly shared prosperity.
About the Guest
Arnav Rao — Transportation Policy Analyst
Arnav Rao is a Transportation Policy Analyst at the Open Markets Institute, where he researches the business practices and public policies shaping maritime trade and transportation. Before joining the institute, he worked for U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Jon Ossoff and former U.S. Representative Carolyn Bourdeaux, as well as in government affairs at Tesla, Union Pacific Railroad, and Zoox. Raised near Atlanta, Rao earned a B.S. in Public Policy with a minor in Law, Science, and Technology from Georgia Tech.
About the Powering America Podcast
The Powering America Podcast hosts conversations on energy, infrastructure, policy and economic growth — interviewing the operators, regulators, and innovators powering America's grid, gas, nuclear, and industrial future. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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