As the former congressman representing Mobile, I welcome investments that strengthen American infrastructure, improve supply chains, and create jobs. Railroads have been an essential part of our city’s history for generations, and they will continue to play a critical role in our future. As federal regulators consider the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, I believe Mobile has an important perspective to contribute to that conversation.
The Port of Mobile is one of Alabama’s greatest economic assets. It connects manufacturers, forest-products companies, steel producers, chemical facilities, and agricultural exporters with customers across the country and around the world. Every investment we have made in expanding the port has been focused on one goal: making Mobile an even stronger gateway for American commerce.
Reliable rail service is fundamental to that success.
Alabama’s forestry industry offers a clear example. The industry contributes more than $36 billion annually to our state’s economy, supports more than 40,000 direct jobs, and depends on efficient transportation to reach domestic and international markets. Much of that freight moves through the Port of Mobile, which handled nearly 33 million short tons of cargo in 2024, including significant volumes of wood pulp, lumber, paper products, and other forest commodities.
Mobile has earned its reputation as “America’s Timber Hub,” and that success reflects decades of investment by businesses, the Alabama Port Authority, and our public and private partners.
As this merger proposal moves through the federal review process, it presents an opportunity to consider how a larger rail network can continue supporting the long-term growth of ports like Mobile. A more integrated system could create new efficiencies, but it is also important that those efficiencies translate into continued reliability, competitive access, and opportunities for the businesses that depend on our port.
For Mobile, the central question is simple: How can this transaction help strengthen one of the nation’s fastest-growing ports?
That is a conversation worth having.
As regulators evaluate the proposal, I hope they will consider the unique role the Port of Mobile plays in Alabama’s economy and the importance of maintaining strong service, competitive access, and the flexibility that allows our businesses to succeed in global markets.
Likewise, there is value in continued dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure the benefits of any future rail network are realized here on the Gulf Coast. Clear expectations regarding service, port access, and operational performance would provide confidence for businesses planning long-term investments and help reinforce Mobile’s position as a premier logistics hub.
This is not about opposing change. It is about making sure that growth at the national level also creates opportunities at the local level.
Mobile has invested billions of dollars alongside our state and federal partners to build a world-class port. We have expanded capacity, attracted new industries, and strengthened our role in America’s supply chain. As this process moves forward, we simply want to ensure that the Port of Mobile remains well positioned to continue serving businesses, creating jobs, and supporting economic growth across Alabama.
That is a goal I believe everyone can support.
