# Farmer was also skeptical of the growth projections UP and NS included in their merger application.

*business · news · 2026-04-14 · FreightWaves*

## Key points

- UP and NS project 12% volume growth in three years post-merger, despite past declines.
- UP's open gateway proposal would apply to only 0.4% of all rail freight shipments.
- UP's open gateways exclude hazardous materials, unit trains, and intermodal shippers.
- STB's 2001 merger rules require mergers to enhance competition specifically for existing rail customers.

**Companies:** Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, Canadian Pacific
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on FreightWaves](https://www.freightwaves.com/news/merged-up-ns-would-control-half-of-all-rail-freight-bnsf-ceo)

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