South Carolina Governor Supports Norfolk Southern-Union Pacific Merger in STB Letter

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has voiced his support for the Norfolk Southern-Union Pacific merger.

In a recent letter to the Surface Transportation Board, Gov. Henry McMaster highlighted South Carolina’s position as a leading manufacturing, logistics and trade hub and emphasized the importance of a strong and efficient freight transportation network to support the state’s continued economic growth.

“I write in support of the proposed combination of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern and to share my perspective on what this transaction could mean for the State of South Carolina,” the Republican governor said. “Over the last several decades, South Carolina has become a premier destination for investment in part because of the transportation networks necessary to allow businesses to compete and grow. As our state continues to grow, dependable transportation options are essential to moving raw materials and finished products, reducing congestion, improving safety, and supporting environmental stewardship. Expanding the role of rail can help advance each of these goals.”

McMaster continued, “I believe the proposed combination of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern presents meaningful opportunities to reinforce South Carolina’s position as a national leader in commerce and trade.”

Norfolk Southern said McMaster’s letter adds to the growing list of more than 2,000 stakeholders who see the benefits the transaction will deliver to customers and communities nationwide. In South Carolina alone, roughly 40 state and local leaders have voiced their support for a transcontinental rail network.

“We are grateful to have Gov. McMaster’s support and appreciate his recognition of what this combination can mean for South Carolina and states across the country,” Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George said in a release.

“By creating more seamless single-line access to more destinations, the proposed combination would provide businesses with better service and greater reach, move an estimated 2.1 million truckloads off congested highways, and reduce costs for everyday consumers,” George added. “Norfolk Southern has served South Carolina for generations, and this combination builds on that longstanding partnership by expanding access to western markets and strengthening the state’s role as a gateway for global commerce.”