Omaha & Atlanta
|February 5, 2026
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern each earned coveted spots on the 2026 Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list as the only railroads in the Trucking, Transportation and Logistics category. The achievement underscores the shared values, operational excellence and forward-looking commitments fueling the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern combination to create America’s first transcontinental railroad.
“We are proud to be recognized by Fortune as we close out a record-setting year in safety and operating performance and as we prepare to create the nation's first transcontinental railroad,” said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. “Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will merge from positions of strength to create a coast-to-coast railroad that gives shippers more options and expands access to those in underserved markets, while enhancing rail's ability to compete with trucks."
The merger is a commitment to building the safest, most efficient freight rail network in America, and this achievement reinforces the core characteristics that Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern share:
These values have guided each company individually, and they will guide the combined organization as it advances America’s first coast-to-coast single-line freight network.
“We are proud that the hard work and dedication of our employees to advance safety and excellence while serving stakeholders is being recognized,” said Norfolk Southern President & CEO Mark George. “And the fact that the only other railroad to receive this honor is Union Pacific, our merger partner, reinforces the cultural and philosophical match of our franchises. The merger will build on this strong foundation to deliver the nation reliable, safe coast-to-coast transcontinental rail.”
Fortune publishes its highly anticipated World’s Most Admired Companies list annually, spotlighting organizations that excel in innovation, leadership, financial soundness and social responsibility. Rankings are based on surveys of executives, board members and industry analysts. Companies are evaluated on criteria including innovation, people management, social responsibility, and financial soundness. Inclusion reflects steady execution across operations, customer service and stakeholder engagement.
Learn more about the merger and find regular updates at AmericasGreatConnection.com.
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable, and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com.
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a 22-state freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver approximately 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S. It serves a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as major ports across the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com
Union Pacific Media Inquiries:
media@up.com
Union Pacific Investor Inquiries:
Diana Prauner
402-544-4227 or dprauner@up.com
Norfolk Southern Media Inquiries:
Media Relations
Norfolk Southern Investor Inquiries:
Investor Relations
The statements and information contained in the news releases provided by Union Pacific speak only as of the date issued. Such information by its nature may become outdated, and investors should not assume that the statements and information contained in Union Pacific's news releases remain current after the date issued. Union Pacific makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update any of this information.