(Reuters) -Union Pacific ( UNP ) reported a 9% rise in third-quarter profit on Thursday, powered by strong pricing.The West Coast railroad operator's quarterly net income rose to $1.8 billion, or $3.01 per share, from $1.7 billion, or $2.75 per share, a year earlier.

Union Pacific ( UNP ) said the results include merger costs of $41 million, or $0.07 per share, on a diluted basis.

Union Pacific ( UNP ) announced plans in July to acquire rival Norfolk Southern in an $85 billion deal aimed at creating the first coast-to-coast freight rail operator.