Small businesses, thousands of jobs, and America’s economic strength, past, present, and future, all depend on our railroads. Once a marvel of innovation, the railroad reshaped our nation, connected our coasts, and ushered in a new era of commerce.
Yet, despite its foundational role, America’s rail system has remained largely unchanged since President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act in 1862.
More than 160 years later, that is about to change. Today, we stand at the threshold of a new era, one that promises to transform the way goods move across our nation.
Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS), two of America’s premier Class I railroads, have announced an historic merger, creating a single, seamless transcontinental network. This is far more than a corporate transaction. This is an economic milestone that will strengthen our supply chains, fuel business growth, and create opportunities for workers and consumers right here in Arkansas, thanks in no small part to the dedicated men and women at the Union Pacific railyard in North Little Rock.
Railroads are the backbone of the American economy, generating a total economic output of $233 billion and directly supporting over 150,000 jobs nationwide. In Arkansas, Union Pacific has long provided reliable service to local entrepreneurs and major employers, such as delivering fuel, food, and critical materials that keep our communities thriving.
But our national freight system remains a patchwork. Today, freight traveling from coast to coast must often be transferred between carriers multiple times, which adds costs, creates bottlenecks, and slows down deliveries. In Arkansas, more than 260,000 small businesses depend on timely shipments, and every delay is a hit to their bottom line.
This merger changes everything. For the first time, America will have uninterrupted coast-to-coast rail service connecting 50,000 route miles across 43 states and linking more than 100 major ports. This is not just a step forward; it’s a transformational leap toward a truly unified national freight system.
The impact on Arkansas will be significant. Our state already leads the nation in GDP growth and serves as a natural hub at the intersection of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern networks. A unified transcontinental railroad will reduce shipping costs, open access to new markets, and give Arkansas businesses a competitive advantage on the national and global stage.
This is how we keep Arkansas growing. This is how we ensure that North Little Rock, and every community in our state, remains a key player in the future of American commerce.
This merger is more than good business. It is good for America. It is good for Arkansas. It is also beneficial for every small-business owner and worker who relies on a modern, efficient, and reliable rail system.
I’m proud to support this historic step forward. The next great chapter in America’s rail story is being written, and Arkansas is right at the center of it.
Derrell Hartwick is the president and CEO of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce.
