BNSF and NS Merger? Don't be holding your breath. I've been hearing that same BS rumor for 10+ years. Compair CN and NS side by side and that should provide the solid answer you seek. Some years back, when the BNSF and CN announced merger plans, the STB steped in and, in light of the flustercluck that was created after the UP and SP merger, created a new set of merger rules. AFTER the rules change the BNSF and CN determined a merger would be way too much trouble and they instead chose to implement working together to the mutual benefit of each other. NOW ask yourself,(after compairing CN and NS side by side), if merging with CN was too much trouble, why on earth would BNSF take on a second rate road like NS? To gain what? Somthing they already have with marketing agreements with the CN? Considering the fact that the Kansas City Southern Railroad is the ONLY, repete, ONLY class one road that is allowed to merge under the OLD RULES, if the BNSF Railway were to merge with anybody it would be the KCS.
Just my 2 cents worth. Take it or leave it.
OldHead