By Liberty County Judge Jay Knight
Every day, the strength of our economy depends on something most people never see or even think about: the steady, reliable movement of goods that keeps farms productive, businesses operating, and communities growing. In places like Liberty County, that movement is not abstract; it is the lifeblood of our local economy. The benefits of freight rail are extensive, and the new and improved rail network from a combined Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern will serve as a foundation for Texas’s – especially Liberty County’s – continued economic growth. Picture bustling farms, oil companies, and natural resource industries flourishing in Liberty County, supported by a modern, efficient freight network. This future is well within reach because of the proposed UP-NS merger.
Freight rail is a cornerstone of our economy, safely and efficiently moving the goods that power our industries, support our farmers, and connect our communities to markets across the country and around the world . However, our nation can no longer rely so heavily on trucking as the primary mode of freight transportation . Increasing congestion, rising costs, and safety concerns underscore the need for a more balanced and resilient system. It is time for the United States to realize the benefits of freight rail more fully.
Though currently under federal regulatory review, the UP-NS merger merits strong support. It presents a unique opportunity to strengthen and modernize the American freight rail network. By establishing a true transcontinental railroad connecting the U.S. coasts and key economic regions, this merger would streamline the currently fragmented rail network, reducing inefficient transfers and unnecessary stops, improving service reliability, and significantly reducing transit times.
Freight rail offers clear advantages in capacity, cost, and safety. A single rail car can carry the equivalent of four truckloads, and shipping by rail can cost more than $100 less per ton. In addition to these economic benefits, rail is a safer mode of freight transportation . In 2025 alone, there were 153,800 reported trucking accidents compared to just 1,728 railroad accidents. Shifting more freight to rail not only reduces costs but also enhances public safety and reduces strain on our already-busy highways.
For Liberty County, the benefits are especially significant. Approximately half of our land is considered prime farmland, producing essential crops such as rice, cotton, grain, potatoes, corn, vegetables, and fruit, along with livestock including hogs, beef cattle, goats, and poultry. These agricultural producers depend on reliable transportation to bring their goods to market.
In addition, our county plays an important role in the energy and natural resource sectors. The production and shipment of iron ore, sulfur, oil, and natural gas are vital not only to our local economy but also to our country’s energy security. These industries also require dependable freight systems to remain competitive and meet growing demand.
The proposed UP-NS merger will also drive new investments in both rail infrastructure and the industries that rely on it. A more connected and efficient rail network will attract new businesses, support expansion, and open access to new domestic and international markets. Improved connectivity to ports and major distribution hubs will better position businesses in Liberty County and across Texas to grow their geographic reach, increase revenue, and strengthen long-term economic resilience.
This merger is about more than railroads; it’s about securing the future of our transportation system, supporting economic development, and ensuring that American freight rail remains globally competitive. It represents a strategic investment in infrastructure, safety, and
sustainability.
When trains move efficiently, the economy – locally and nationally – moves with them.