Combining Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern into the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. would create a 52,215-mile colossus that could offer seamless service from coast to coast, bypassing longtime interchange choke points in Chicago and at gateways along the Mississippi River.

Thousands of rail employees across the region are watching developments that could impact their future. The nation’s four largest railroad companies are mulling plans to merge into just two giant systems.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are nearing a $200 billion merger that could reshape U.S. freight transport, raising hopes for efficiency and concerns over competition.

Union Pacific is a dominant, efficiently run railroad with pricing power, poised for a cyclical rebound and potential NSC merger upside. Learn more about UNP stock here.

The Omaha, Nebraska-based Union Pacific reported $1.76 billion profit Thursday, or $2.91 per share, to easily top Wall Street expectations. That's up from $1.65 billion, or $2.71 per share a year ago.

Union Pacific (UNP) came out with quarterly earnings of $3.03 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.89 per share. This compares to earnings of $2.74 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

Both Union Pacific and CSX got more efficient in the quarter even while CSX was dealing with the aftermath of two major hurricanes. The Omaha, Nebraska-based Union Pacific reported $1.76 billion profit Thursday, or $2.91 per share, to easily top Wall Street expectations. That’s up from $1.65 billion, or $2.71 per share a year ago.