Johnson
Running a hunting and fishing distribution company in South Carolina gives a unique perspective on how critical reliable shipping really is. At Five Rivers Outfitters, our business depends on getting products where they need to go in a timely and cost-effective manner. In our world, efficiency is everything. When transportation works smoothly, businesses can meet demand, plan ahead, and keep customers satisfied. When it doesn’t, the entire chain feels the impact.
That’s why the proposed merger between Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) is important not just to major manufacturers and national brands, but to smaller distributors like mine that rely on freight transportation every single day. The combined network would connect more than 50,000 miles of track and link 43 states with over 100 ports. That type of national reach is transformative for the businesses that depend on a freight system capable of moving goods efficiently from one region to another.
For small and mid-sized companies, the transportation system is often where margins are made or lost. A shipment delayed by several days, a shortage of rail options in a particular region, or unexpected logistical bottlenecks can disrupt inventory, drive up costs, and limit competitiveness. These challenges are magnified in industries like the outdoor sector where seasonal demand swings are significant and timing matters enormously. When businesses can’t get products where they need to be, when they need to be there, both retailers and their customers feel the strain.
The projected benefits of the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger directly address these longstanding challenges. Studies show that the combined network could generate $1 billion in annual cost savings while improving freight car velocity by approximately 10%. Faster, more predictable movement of goods helps businesses like mine better align our supply chain with customer needs. It also enables more consistent planning, steadier pricing, and stronger support for retailers, particularly those in rural or underserved areas that can be hit hardest by logistical disruptions.
Another advantage is reliability. When a rail system is unified rather than fragmented across multiple networks, communication improves, handoffs decrease, and delays become less frequent. That’s good for everyone involved in the supply chain. For distributors like Five Rivers Outfitters, increased reliability means building stronger relationships with our retail partners, ensuring consistent access to the goods they depend on, and reducing the costly guesswork that comes with uncertain delivery timelines.
A strengthened freight network also has direct implications for the broader economy. Outdoor recreation is a major driver of economic activity in South Carolina and throughout the Southeast. Supporting the businesses that fuel that economy – outfitters, small retailers, tourism operations, and more – requires a transportation system that is capable of meeting modern consumer expectations. The Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger represents a real opportunity to achieve that.
For these reasons, I believe federal regulators should approve the merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Strengthening freight rail is not just a policy decision, it’s a strategic investment in the long-term growth, stability, and competitiveness of small businesses across the outdoor industry. A more efficient, integrated rail network will allow companies like ours to better serve our partners, operate with more confidence, and continue contributing to the economic vitality of our region.
Kyle Johnson is the owner of Five Rivers Outfitters
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This commentary represents the opinion of the writer, but not necessarily the opinion of Holy City Sinner. If you'd like to submit your own opinion piece for publishing consideration, e-mail christian@holycitysinner.com.