12:01 PM EDT, 05/28/2026 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with Union Pacific ( UNP ) and Norfolk Southern ( NSC ) comments in the second and third paragraphs and stock prices in fourth paragraph.)

The Surface Transportation Board said Thursday it was holding its review of Union Pacific's ( UNP ) proposed merger with Norfolk Southern ( NSC ) in abeyance, stating that it required more information and a ruling on a communications motion related to the proceedings.

In a joint statement, both Union Pacific ( UNP ) CEO Jim Vena and Norfolk Southern ( NSC ) CEO Mark George reiterated the benefits of the proposed deal and said they would continue to work closely with the STB to provide the requested information.

"We are confident this merger will deliver more reliable and lower-cost transportation options for American businesses," Vena said. "We submitted a comprehensive, data-driven application backed by a detailed plan for seamless integration. We look forward to the opportunity to show the facts and demonstrate the benefits for our customers, employees and America."

Union Pacific ( UNP ) shares were 4.2% lower in Thursday trading, while Norfolk Southern ( NSC ) was down 4.8%.

Price: 268.53, Change: -10.87, Percent Change: -3.89