What happens when railroads get hitched

This NPR Planet Money Indicator podcast episode discusses the proposed merger between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific railroads, which would create the first coast-to-coast freight rail line in the US. The episode explores the potential benefits, including increased efficiency and reduced shipping costs, as well as the concerns raised by shippers and unions regarding potential job losses, increased prices, and safety issues. The discussion includes interviews with industry experts and those affected by the potential merger, analyzing past railroad mergers and their outcomes to provide context. The episode concludes by considering the broader implications of the merger and the possibility of further consolidation within the railroad industry.