BNSF Railway has hired Goldman Sachs and CSX Corp is in talks to bring on financial advisers, as rival Union Pacific’s interest in acquiring Norfolk Southern sparked a wave of deal preparations that could reshape the U.

BNSF Railway could target Jacksonville-based CSX in a takeover bid. After reports that western railroad company Union Pacific Corp. is interested in buying eastern rail company Norfolk Southern Corp., some analysts are speculating the other major western railroad could be interested in merging with Jacksonville-based CSX Corp.

Railroad Union Pacific reported a strong second quarter. Mergers and acquisitions in the sector have been in headlines as of late.

Union Pacific reported record second quarter financial results this morning as surging coal volumes led the railroad’s traffic gains. “We are delivering on our strategy and our results demonstrate our commitment to leading the industry as we set new standards for safety,