Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Dec. 19, 2025:
Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern take next step toward merger
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will on Friday, Dec. 19, submit their application to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) requesting approval to combine the two railroads and create America’s first transcontinental railroad, the companies announced.
The companies said their comprehensive application will detail how the end-to-end combination will enhance competition and deliver broad public benefits for America that strengthen the economy and protect union jobs.
Union Pacific Corporation and Norfolk Southern Corporation in July announced an agreement to create America’s first transcontinental railroad – an $85 billion deal that connects more than 50,000 route miles across 43 states from the East Coast to the West Coast, linking approximately 100 ports and nearly every corner of North America.
The proposed deal already has the support of Knight-Swift Transportation (CCJ Top 250, No. 3) and C.R. England (No. 32).
PFG announces leadership succession
Performance Food Group (PFG) has announced that, as part of a planned succession process, George Holm will transition to the role of Executive Chair of the Board of Directors, effective Jan. 1.
With that move, Scott McPherson, currently President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of PFG, will succeed Holm as CEO of PFG and will also be appointed as a member of the company’s Board at that time. As Executive Chair, Holm will continue to work closely with McPherson on M&A activities, customer relationships and overseeing the Company’s strategic direction.
“It has been a privilege to be CEO of PFG, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together,” Holm said. “With a strong team, a clear strategic vision and positive business momentum, now is the right time to implement our succession plan and the next phase of leadership for the company. Having worked closely with Scott, I have seen firsthand how he prioritizes people and customers, bringing a relentless pursuit of value creation. I believe the future of PFG is bright under Scott’s leadership and I look forward to continuing to work alongside him and the rest of the Board in my new role as Executive Chair.”
McPherson, whose experience includes having served as CEO of CoreMark, became President and COO at PFG in January 2025. He previously served as Chief Field Operations Officer, where he oversaw the company’s primary business segments: Performance Foodservice, Core-Mark, and Vistar since January 2024.
“I’m honored to step into the role of CEO at this exciting time for PFG,” said McPherson. “I believe our company has tremendous growth potential as we focus on driving top-line performance – supporting our existing customers while winning new business through collaboration across our diverse segments. Operationally, we’re well positioned and will continue investing in technologies that enhance efficiency and strengthen bottom-line results.”
Last month, a proposed merger between PFG and U.S. Foods was called off when the companies mutually agreed not to pursue a merger.
[Related: PFG, US Foods back out of potential merger]
Averitt names new VP of truckload sales
Averitt (CCJ Top 250, No. 25) has promoted Jeff Edwards to vice president of truckload sales. He will succeed Tim Reeves, who is retiring at the end of the year after more than two decades with the company.
Jeff Edwards
“Jeff has grown with this company for more than three decades, and his leadership experience across both operations and sales makes him well suited for this role,” said Kent Williams, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Averitt. “As we prepare for Tim’s retirement, Jeff will help ensure continuity for our customers and teams while continuing to move our truckload business forward.”
In his new role, Edwards will lead Averitt’s truckload sales organization, supporting sales strategy and customer relationships across the company’s network.
Women in Trucking opens Driver of the Year nominations
The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Driver of the Year award, sponsored by Walmart.
The annual recognition honors exceptional female professional drivers who exemplify safety, leadership, and a positive impact on the trucking industry and the communities they serve.
“Women are shaping the future of trucking,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO. “This award celebrates the drivers who go above and beyond in their profession and who uplift others in the industry.”
With women representing roughly 9.5% of all professional truck drivers – according to the latest WIT Index, which tracks the percentage of women in key roles across the industry – spotlighting their contributions remains essential to the inclusion of women in the profession, WIT noted.
Last year’s Driver of the Year, Kathy Blais, said the recognition was deeply meaningful: “Every day I get behind the wheel of my car hauler, rain or shine, and do what I love. Standing on that stage to receive this award was validation – not just for me, but for every woman who has ever been told ‘this is a man’s world.’ Progress has sometimes felt slow, but seeing more women in this profession proves that change is happening.”
The winner will be selected based on her commitment to safety, community involvement, and overall contributions to enhancing the image of the trucking profession. Finalists and the overall winner will be recognized during the 2026 Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, KY on March 27.
The winner will also receive a commemorative award package including a plaque, a custom ring, and additional recognition.
