UNP and NSC are in early merger talks, eyeing a historic West-to-East freight line. However, regulatory hurdles loom large.

Railroad operator Union Pacific is holding talks to acquire its smaller rival Norfolk Southern in what would be a megamerger in the railroad industry, according to people familiar with the matter.

Union Pacific Considering a Norfolk Southern Buyout, Report Says. Here’s What Will Matter. Union Pacific is in talks to merge with Norfolk Southern, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, in a deal that would shake up the railroad business in America.