Union Pacific and CN Strengthen North American Rail Connectivity through Strategic Agreement

Union Pacific and CN have strengthened their partnership to improve North American rail connectivity through a strategic agreement reached on July 22, 2026 [doc1, doc3]. One key component of the deal involves Union Pacific gaining expanded operating rights over CN's EJ&E corridor through Chicago, while CN receives new rights on Union Pacific's network between Memphis and Eagle Pass [doc2, doc3].

The agreement addresses customer options by preserving existing customer arrangements, enabling them to choose between Union Pacific and CN for rail services. This settlement is crucial in the context of Union Pacific's proposed merger with Norfolk Southern, where CN would gain access to a more extensive network. CN's access in the Midwest was expanded by acquiring certain terminals and gaining overhead rights . As a result, CN secured access to Kansas City for the first time, a previously inaccessible market.

Additionally, the agreement facilitates North American transportation by allowing CN to move cargo freely between Canada and Mexico through Union Pacific's expanded service capabilities.

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