United States/Canada: UP and CN sign binding MoU on access tied to UP–NS merger

Union Pacific and Canadian National announced on 22 July 2026 that they have signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for CN to secure competitive access in connection with the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern transaction.

The settlement agreement, which is contingent on Surface Transportation Board approval and closing of the merger, preserves customer options and resolves terminal railroad ownership issues while expanding CN''s presence in the Midwest.

Under the agreement, CN gains access to shipper facilities where Class I railroad options would be reduced from 2-to-1 or 3-to-2, where commercially and operationally feasible. CN acquires Norfolk Southern''s ownership interests in the Kansas City Terminal Railway Company and the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis. CN also gains overhead rights between Tuscola, Illinois, and East St. Louis, Illinois, and rights to serve customers between St. Louis, Missouri, and Kansas City, Missouri, including a footprint in Kansas City with usage of Union Pacific''s Neff Yard.

CN will not oppose the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger. Both parties will collaborate through the STB process to ensure that the agreement takes effect.