This US Supreme Court case involved a dispute between the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company (ATSF) and the Denver & New Orleans Railroad Company (D&NO). ATSF had a contract with D&NO to transport freight from Denver to New Orleans. ATSF argued that D&NO had breached the contract by failing to pay the agreed-upon rate for the freight. D&NO argued that the contract was invalid because it was not approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). The Supreme Court held that the contract was valid and enforceable. The Court found that the ICC did not have the authority to approve or disapprove the contract, as it was a private contract between two companies. The Court also found that the contract was not in violation of any federal law or regulation. Therefore, the Court held that ATSF was entitled to the agreed-upon rate for the freight.

In the dissenting opinion of ATCHISON, TOPEKA & SANTA FE RAILROAD COMPANY v. DENVER & NEW ORLEANS RAILROAD COMPANY, Justice Field argued that the majority’s decision was not in accordance with established law and precedent. He noted that while it is true that a railroad company has an obligation to provide reasonable accommodation for other companies using its tracks, this does not mean they are required to give up their own rights as well. In this case, he argued that the Atchison Company had done nothing wrong by refusing access to Denver & New Orleans Railroad Company since they were already providing adequate service on their own lines and did not have any legal duty or obligation to do otherwise. Furthermore, he stated there was no evidence presented at trial which showed how allowing access would benefit either party involved or improve public convenience; thus making it unnecessary for them to grant such permission in order for justice be served.