Berkshire Hathaway's BNSF Railway has petitioned the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to review and potentially alter the competitive conditions established nearly three decades ago during the merger of Union Pacific and Southern Pacific. BNSF is asking the regulator to examine the effectiveness of these conditions, which were originally designed to maintain competitive balance in the Western U.S. railroad network. The railway argues that the conditions, which granted BNSF certain rights to preserve shipper choice, should be re-evaluated. This move could reopen a long-settled merger agreement and potentially reshape competitive dynamics and access rights in the American railroad industry. The petition marks a significant challenge to a foundational agreement in the sector.