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Union Pacific’s Proposed Merger Could Shift 2 Million Truckloads to Rail

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Union Pacific’s Proposed Merger Could Shift 2 Million Truckloads to Rail

“The first few years after this, it’s gonna be like one of those old 15-round boxing fights. Prices are gonna be used, the service is going to be used, everything. And I think the customer’s going to be the winner in all this while we knock down, drag it out, to see who can win and grow their market share,” — Jim Vena, Union Pacific CEO

Union Pacific detailed a proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern, which could move 2.1 million truckloads to rail. The merger could save shippers $3.5 billion due to rail’s cost efficiencies over long distances. Some shippers and competitors, however, worry about potential rate hikes if Union Pacific gains too much market power.

What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles

If this merger goes through, expect a potential decrease in long-haul truckload demand as more freight shifts to rail. This could impact your load availability, especially for cross-country hauls.

With the increased market share Union Pacific might hold, there’s a valid concern that rates for remaining loads could get squeezed. It’s crucial to stay competitive with your pricing.

On the flip side, shorter hauls and last-mile deliveries might see a boost, as these are areas where trucks still hold the advantage over rail. Consider diversifying your routes and customer base to adapt.

  • Keep an eye on the Surface Transportation Board’s decision regarding the merger and any required concessions.
  • Watch for changes in shipping rates and policies from Union Pacific post-acquisition.
  • Monitor feedback from major shippers and shipping associations as they react to the merger.
  • How will this merger affect my loads?

    The merger could reduce demand for long-haul trucking as more freight is moved to rail, especially for cross-country routes.

    Will shipping rates change?

    If Union Pacific becomes too dominant, shipping rates could increase, impacting your profitability. Stay informed on rate changes.

    Should I consider new routes?

    Yes, shorter hauls and last-mile deliveries might become more profitable. Diversifying your routes could help mitigate potential losses from the merger.

    What if the merger doesn’t happen?

    If the merger fails, current market conditions are likely to continue. Keep an eye out for other industry changes that could affect your business.

    How soon will I see changes if the merger goes through?

    Changes might take a few years to fully materialize as the companies integrate their operations and market dynamics shift.

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    Trucking Groups Stand Against Federal Fuel Tax Suspension

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    Trucking Groups Stand Against Federal Fuel Tax Suspension

    “Without replacement funds, fuel tax revenues supporting critical investments in highway safety and infrastructure projects would evaporate, hindering the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the country.”

    — American Trucking Associations, Truckload Carriers Association, and National Tank Truck Carriers

    Three U.S. trucking associations—American Trucking Associations, Truckload Carriers Association, and National Tank Truck Carriers—opposed proposals to suspend federal fuel taxes. President Donald Trump has urged Congress to pause the gasoline and diesel taxes to ease fuel costs, but industry groups argue the suspension would provide negligible benefits and might impact highway safety and infrastructure funding.

    What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles

    Suspending the federal fuel tax may seem like a quick fix to reduce fuel costs, but the trucking associations believe the savings won’t significantly reach drivers like you. They estimate that a suspension might save an average motorist only about 30 cents per week.

    Without the fuel tax revenue, crucial infrastructure projects and highway safety investments could face funding shortages. This could impact the quality and safety of roads, which are vital for your hauls.

    While it might appear that pausing the tax could lower your operating expenses, the trickle-down effect of these savings is expected to be minimal, offering little relief on your bottom line.

    Maintaining a steady flow of infrastructure funding is crucial for ensuring that you have safe, reliable routes to take your loads on time and efficiently without facing road-related disruptions.

  • Keep an eye on any legislative developments from Sen. Josh Hawley and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna regarding the fuel tax suspension.
  • Monitor statements and decisions from Sen. James Lankford, who currently opposes the suspension.
  • Watch for any announcements from the American Trucking Associations and other trucking advocacy groups for further guidance.
  • Will suspending the fuel tax lower my fuel costs significantly?

    No, according to trucking associations, the proposed suspension would likely translate into minimal savings for drivers, around 30 cents weekly.

    How does the fuel tax impact highway safety and infrastructure?

    Fuel tax revenues are critical for funding highway safety and infrastructure projects, ensuring safe and efficient routes for your operations.

    Who is supporting the suspension of the federal fuel tax?

    President Donald Trump, Sen. Josh Hawley, and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna are advocating for this temporary pause to alleviate fuel costs.

    What happens if the fuel tax is suspended without replacement funding?

    Suspending the tax without alternative funding could lead to reduced investments in critical highway and infrastructure projects, potentially affecting road conditions.

    Where can I find updates on this issue?

    Stay informed by following announcements from trucking associations and legislative news related to federal fuel tax discussions.

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    Trucking Groups Oppose Proposed Federal Fuel Tax Suspension

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    Trucking Groups Oppose Proposed Federal Fuel Tax Suspension

    “Without replacement funds, fuel tax revenues supporting critical investments in highway safety and infrastructure projects would evaporate, hindering the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the country.”

    — American Trucking Associations, Truckload Carriers Association, and National Tank Truck Carriers

    Three major U.S. trucking associations oppose proposals to suspend federal fuel taxes. President Donald Trump has proposed a temporary pause on the 18.4-cent gasoline tax and the 24.4-cent diesel tax, with some congressional support. However, there is concern over the impact on federal debt and infrastructure funding.

    What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles

    If federal fuel taxes are suspended, the immediate impact on your fuel costs might be minimal. The savings are estimated to be about 30 cents weekly, not significant enough to change your bottom line.

    The trucking associations argue that the suspension could lead to reduced funding for highway safety and infrastructure, potentially affecting the conditions of the roads you drive on.

    Without proper funding for maintenance and infrastructure projects, the quality and safety of your routes could decline, potentially impacting your efficiency and vehicle maintenance costs.

    Stability in infrastructure funding ensures that you can continue to move goods safely and efficiently across the country, maintaining your load availability and job security.

  • Keep an eye on congressional discussions and decisions regarding the suspension of the federal fuel taxes.
  • Watch for any legislative developments from Sen. Josh Hawley and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna related to fuel tax suspension.
  • Stay informed about any statements from the Senate Finance subcommittee on energy issues, as they impact future infrastructure funding.
  • Will the suspension of federal fuel taxes lower my fuel costs significantly?

    No, the potential savings from a federal fuel tax suspension are estimated to be about 30 cents weekly, which is not a significant reduction.

    How might the suspension affect road conditions?

    The suspension could reduce funds for infrastructure projects, possibly leading to poorer road conditions over time.

    What is the trucking associations’ stance on the suspension?

    They oppose the suspension, arguing it delivers negligible consumer benefits and reduces critical infrastructure funding.

    Who supports the fuel tax suspension?

    President Donald Trump, Sen. Josh Hawley, and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna have shown support for the suspension proposal.

    What should I do to stay updated on this issue?

    Monitor news from Congress and statements from key senators and representatives involved in energy and infrastructure discussions.

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    Maverick Transportation increases driver pay 

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    by trucknews.com May 12, 2026 Maverick Transportation announced pay increases for flatbed over-the-road drivers and multiple dedicated driving divisions.   Drivers in Maverick’s flatbed over-the-road divisions will see a 4-cent per mile increase effective May 31.  (Photo: Maverick Transportation) With this increase, starting student flatbed drivers will earn 59 cents per mile ($73,000-$80,000 first-year average), and experienced drivers will earn 64-67 cents per mile ($84,000-$96,000 first-year average).  Maverick added that more than 10 other divisions will also receive pay increases.   “We are truly excited to roll out this pay increase for our drivers, who are the heart of our operations and the key to our success,” said Brad Vaughn, Maverick’s vice president of recruiting.  by trucknews.com trucknews.com is the trucking industry’s leading information source, delivering vital insights to fleet executives, operations teams, maintenance personnel, owner-operators, and more. Readers turn to our experienced journalists for award-winning trucking industry news, trends, technical advances, equipment maintenance techniques, and business practices alike.

    Maverick Transportation announced pay increases for flatbed over-the-road drivers and multiple dedicated driving divisions.   Drivers in Maverick’s flatbed over-the-road divisions will see a 4-cent per mile increase effective May 31.  (Photo: Maverick Transportation) With this increase, starting student flatbed drivers will earn 59 cents per mile ($73,000-$80,000 first-year average), and experienced drivers will earn 64-67 cents per mile ($84,000-$96,000 first-year average).  Maverick added that more than 10 other divisions will also receive pay increases.   “We are truly excited to roll out this pay increase for our drivers, who are the heart of our operations and the key to our success,” said Brad Vaughn, Maverick’s vice president of recruiting. 

    by trucknews.com May 12, 2026 Maverick Transportation announced pay increases for flatbed over-the-road drivers and multiple dedicated driving divisions.   Drivers in Maverick’s flatbed over-the-road divisions will see a 4-cent per mile increase effective May 31.  (Photo: Maverick Transportation) With this increase, starting student flatbed drivers will earn 59 cents per mile ($73,000-$80,000 first-year average), and experienced drivers will earn 64-67 cents per mile ($84,000-$96,000 first-year average).  Maverick added that more than 10 other divisions will also receive pay increases.   “We are truly excited to roll out this pay increase for our drivers, who are the heart of our operations and the key to our success,” said Brad Vaughn, Maverick’s vice president of recruiting.  by trucknews.com trucknews.com is the trucking industry’s leading information source, delivering vital insights to fleet executives, operations teams, maintenance personnel, owner-operators, and more. Readers turn to our experienced journalists for award-winning trucking industry news, trends, technical advances, equipment maintenance techniques, and business practices alike.

    by trucknews.com May 12, 2026 Maverick Transportation announced pay increases for flatbed over-the-road drivers and multiple dedicated driving divisions.   Drivers in Maverick’s flatbed over-the-road divisions will see a 4-cent per mile increase effective May 31.  (Photo: Maverick Transportation) With this increase, starting student flatbed drivers will earn 59 cents per mile ($73,000-$80,000 first-year average), and experienced drivers will earn 64-67 cents per mile ($84,000-$96,000 first-year average).  Maverick added that more than 10 other divisions will also receive pay increases.   “We are truly excited to roll out this pay increase for our drivers, who are the heart of our operations and the key to our success,” said Brad Vaughn, Maverick’s vice president of recruiting.  by trucknews.com trucknews.com is the trucking industry’s leading information source, delivering vital insights to fleet executives, operations teams, maintenance personnel, owner-operators, and more. Readers turn to our experienced journalists for award-winning trucking industry news, trends, technical advances, equipment maintenance techniques, and business practices alike.

    by trucknews.com May 12, 2026

    by trucknews.com May 12, 2026

    Maverick Transportation announced pay increases for flatbed over-the-road drivers and multiple dedicated driving divisions.  

    Drivers in Maverick’s flatbed over-the-road divisions will see a 4-cent per mile increase effective May 31. 

    With this increase, starting student flatbed drivers will earn 59 cents per mile ($73,000-$80,000 first-year average), and experienced drivers will earn 64-67 cents per mile ($84,000-$96,000 first-year average). 

    “We are truly excited to roll out this pay increase for our drivers, who are the heart of our operations and the key to our success,” said Brad Vaughn, Maverick’s vice president of recruiting. 

    We have changed the way we showcase trucks and trailers available for sale – and now send the details right to your email inbox.

    by trucknews.com trucknews.com is the trucking industry’s leading information source, delivering vital insights to fleet executives, operations teams, maintenance personnel, owner-operators, and more. Readers turn to our experienced journalists for award-winning trucking industry news, trends, technical advances, equipment maintenance techniques, and business practices alike.

    trucknews.com is the trucking industry’s leading information source, delivering vital insights to fleet executives, operations teams, maintenance personnel, owner-operators, and more. Readers turn to our experienced journalists for award-winning trucking industry news, trends, technical advances, equipment maintenance techniques, and business practices alike.

    trucknews.com is the trucking industry’s leading information source, delivering vital insights to fleet executives, operations teams, maintenance personnel, owner-operators, and more. Readers turn to our experienced journalists for award-winning trucking industry news, trends, technical advances, equipment maintenance techniques, and business practices alike.

    by trucknews.com May 12, 2026 Maverick Transportation announced pay increases for flatbed over-the-road drivers and multiple dedicated driving divisions.   Drivers in Maverick’s flatbed over-the-road divisions will see a 4-cent per mile increase effective May 31.  (Photo: Maverick Transportation) With this increase, starting student flatbed drivers will earn 59 cents per mile ($73,000-$80,000 first-year average), and experienced drivers will earn 64-67 cents per mile ($84,000-$96,000 first-year average).  Maverick added that more than 10 other divisions will also receive pay increases.   “We are truly excited to roll out this pay increase for our drivers, who are the heart of our operations and the key to our success,” said Brad Vaughn, Maverick’s vice president of recruiting.  by trucknews.com trucknews.com is the trucking industry’s leading information source, delivering vital insights to fleet executives, operations teams, maintenance personnel, owner-operators, and more. Readers turn to our experienced journalists for award-winning trucking industry news, trends, technical advances, equipment maintenance techniques, and business practices alike.

    Maverick added that more than 10 other divisions will also receive pay increases.  

    by trucknews.com May 12, 2026

    Thank you for visiting truckandtrailer.ca!   We have changed the way we showcase trucks and trailers available for sale – and now send the details right to your email inbox.   Simply click here to subscribe to our bi-weekly HD Hotlist for the listings.    

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