Alabama port to participate in proposed rail consolidation

The Alabama Port Authority has filed a notice of intent to participate in the Surface Transportation Board’s review of the proposed consolidation of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. The procedural filing, submitted on September 8, preserves APA’s ability to participate as a party of record as proceedings move forward. An initial review by the authority indicates that the proposed merger, as currently structured, could be detrimental to Alabama’s economic interests and many of the state’s rail-reliant industries. APA will continue to engage with railroad partners, Alabama business leaders and other stakeholders in the coming weeks as it finalises its formal comments to the Surface Transportation Board. Doug Otto, Director and CEO of the Alabama Port Authority, stated that the authority has a responsibility to advocate for the businesses it serves and the transportation network they depend on, expressing serious concerns about any railroad consolidation that would limit competition, create potential supply chain disruptions or expose businesses to higher transportation costs at a time when many are already operating on tight margins.