Norfolk Southern merger makes sense for Georgia’s freight rail network needs
Georgia is growing fast. Families and businesses continue to move and expand here, and our transportation infrastructure is more important than ever to maintain our economic strength.
Whether we’re talking about congestion on I-75, bottlenecks at our ports or the increasing demand for on-time deliveries, one reality is clear: Georgia’s future competitiveness depends on building a freight network that is resilient, modern and safe.
That’s why the proposed merger between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific deserves thoughtful consideration. While mergers of this scale always generate debate, I believe this deal presents an important opportunity for Georgia and the southeast to strengthen their transportation backbone for the future.
Merger creates more seamless east-west connection
Over the last decade, Georgia has made strategic investments in freight mobility.
We have expanded the Port of Savannah into one of the nation’s fastest-growing container gateways.
We have invested in two inland ports that use rail to reduce truck traffic on our roads.
We have laid the groundwork for improved truck routing through Georgia’s Statewide Freight & Logistics Plan and strategic, regional truck-route networks.
Our rail system, which quietly carries a massive share of the goods that move through our state, also must keep pace.
Norfolk Southern has long been a core part of Georgia’s freight ecosystem, connecting our manufacturers, distribution centers and agricultural producers to markets around the country.
Union Pacific brings a vast western network and a long history of connecting America’s communities and industries across thousands of freight corridor miles.
Merging these networks would not eliminate competition in the Southeast; instead, it would create a more seamless east-west connection across the country, one that benefits shippers, ports, consumers and our nation.
The benefits of a rail merger may sound technical or removed from everyday concerns, but the potential impact shows up in very real ways including the price of groceries, the reliability of supply chains and the ability of Georgia companies, large and small, to compete in the national and global marketplace.
Peach State must stay competitive
Rail systems remain one of the safest ways to transport goods, especially hazardous materials, and stronger rail systems make for safer communities. Both Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific invest heavily in training local firefighters and first responders, and programs like the national Security and Emergency Response Training Center rail safety courses elevate community preparedness. A combined network with coordinated safety protocols and technology does not just improve efficiency; it reduces response times, enhances communication among emergency response agencies and helps prevent accidents before they occur.
This merger will support the sectors that drive Georgia’s growth: logistics, manufacturing, agriculture and e-commerce. More rail options mean less pressure on highways, less congestion for commuters and stronger alternatives for freight carriers. Companies choosing where to expand or build new facilities increasingly look for reliable, modern freight rail access. The combined NS and UP system will give Georgia an edge in attracting the next generation of employers.
We can all agree that major transportation decisions require thorough vetting. The Surface Transportation Board, which evaluates mergers like this one, was created for that reason. Its job is to ensure that a consolidation strengthens competition, safety and service. That process is underway, and should be guided by facts, transparency and a clear understanding of what Georgia needs to stay competitive.
Georgia has never been afraid of thinking big
What I hear from industry partners, local governments, and economic development leaders is consistent: Strengthening our freight rail network is no longer optional. It is essential infrastructure, as important as widening a highway or modernizing our airports.
As chairman of the House Transportation Committee, I spend a great deal of time studying how Georgia can prepare for the next 20 years of growth. Every data point, conversation and site visit reinforces that investment and modernization are the path forward.
This merger, thoughtfully structured and properly supervised, represents one of the most meaningful opportunities in recent memory to enhance freight mobility for our state and the nation. It aligns with our state’s long-term economic strategies, supports the efficiency of our growing ports and helps balance the load on our already stressed highway system.
Georgians want transportation solutions that work. They want safe communities, less congestion and a competitive economy that creates good jobs. No single policy achieves all these goals, but strengthening the country’s east-west rail corridor is an important step. This merger is not about corporate winners or losers; it is about creating a freight system capable of supporting the future we are all working toward.
Georgia has never been afraid to think big when it comes to infrastructure. Let’s not start now.
Georgia state Rep. Rick Jasperse, R-Jasper, represents House District 11 and chairs the House Transportation Committee.
