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SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

Latest News

Below are press releases issued by the Surface Transportation Board since the beginning of 2019.  Press releases issued prior to 2019 are available here.

STB Approves CSXT and CPKC Acquisition of Meridian & Bigbee Railroad Lines in Alabama and Mississippi with Conditions

10/17/2024 (Thursday)
No. 24-35
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board (Board) today issued two separate decisions approving, with conditions, CSX Transportation Inc.’s (CSXT) request for Board authority to acquire and operate the rail line of Meridian & Bigbee Railroad, L.L.C. (MNBR) that runs approximately 93.7 miles between Burkeville and Myrtlewood, Alabama, and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited’s (CPKC) request to acquire from MNBR and to operate approximately 50.4 miles of rail line between Meridian, Mississippi, and Myrtlewood, Alabama.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Additional Information for Hearing Regarding Growth in the Freight Rail Industry

09/05/2024 (Thursday)
No. 24-34
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced additional instructions in preparation for the September 16 and 17, 2024 hearing regarding recent trends and strategies for growth in the freight rail industry.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Establishes Procedural Schedule and Addresses Other Issues in Amtrak Sunset Limited On-Time Performance Proceeding

08/19/2024 (Monday)
No. 24-33
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision to establish a procedural schedule, address several motions and filings, and provide other directives regarding the Board’s investigation into the on-time performance (OTP) of Amtrak’s Sunset Limited service between New Orleans, Louisiana and Los Angeles, California.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Announces Inaugural Meeting of the Passenger Rail Advisory Committee

08/16/2024 (Wednesday)
No. 24-32
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that the first meeting of the newly formed Passenger Rail Advisory Committee (PRAC) will be held on October 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. E.T. at the Surface Transportation Board headquarters at 395 E Street, S.W., Washington, DC  20423. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Monitoring Potential Rail Labor Strike in Canada

08/14/2024 (Wednesday)
No. 24-31
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board is actively monitoring the potential for a rail labor strike in Canada as early as August 22, 2024. If a strike occurs, the U.S. rail network and supply chain could be affected.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Chairman Primus Announces Appointment of Anika Sanders Cooper as General Counsel

08/02/2024 (Friday)
No. 24-30
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Robert E. Primus today announced that Anika Sanders Cooper has been appointed the agency’s General Counsel.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB to Hold Hearing Regarding Growth in the Freight Rail Industry

07/15/2024 (Monday)
No. 24-29
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it will hold an in-person public hearing on September 16 and 17, 2024, to gather information about recent trends and strategies for growth in the freight rail industry.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Final Scope of Study for Green Eagle Railroad Environmental Impact Statement

07/08/2024 (Monday)
No. 24-28
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Notice of Availability of the Final Scope of Study (Final Scope) for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) being prepared in connection with Green Eagle Railroad, LLC’s proposed construction and operation of an approximately 1.3-mile rail line in Maverick County, Texas.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Final Environmental Assessment for Proposed New Rail Line in Suffolk County, New York

06/07/2024 (Friday)
No. 24-27
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Final Environmental Assessment (Final EA) for the proposed construction and operation of approximately 5,000 feet of new rail line in Smithtown, New York by Townline Rail Terminal, LLC (Townline).  [Click for full press release.]

 

Patrick J. Fuchs Confirmed to Second Term

05/13/2024 (Monday)
No. 24-26
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

On May 14, 2024, the U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Patrick J. Fuchs to a second term as a member of the Surface Transportation Board. [Click for full press release.]

 

President Biden Designates Robert E. Primus as STB Chairman

05/13/2024 (Monday)
No. 24-25
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has designated Robert E. Primus Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board effective May 11, 2024.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Chairman Martin J. Oberman Retires

05/10/2024 (Monday)
No. 24-24
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced the retirement of Chairman Martin J. Oberman. [Click for full press release.]

 

Neil Moyer Appointed Director of STB Office of Passenger Rail

05/06/2024 (Monday)
No. 24-23
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today announced that, with the approval of the Board, he has appointed senior staff member Neil Moyer to serve as Director of the Board’s Office of Passenger Rail (OPR).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Final Environmental Assessment for Proposed Acquisitions of Rail Line in Alabama and Mississippi

05/03/2024 (Friday)
No. 24-22
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s (Board) Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) for CSX Transportation Inc.’s (CSXT) request for Board authority to acquire and operate the assets comprising the rail line of Meridian & Bigbee Railroad, L.L.C. (MNBR) that runs approximately 93.7 miles between Burkville and Myrtlewood, Alabama and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited’s (CPKC) request to acquire from MNBR and to operate approximately 50.4 miles of rail line between Meridian, Mississippi, and Myrtlewood, Alabama.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Statement From STB Chairman Martin J. Oberman Regarding Final Rule For Reciprocal Switching

04/30/2024 (Tuesday)
No. 24-21
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0238

Nearly 40 years ago, the ICC, by rule and by subsequent decisions, established what was perceived as a high bar for the issuance of a reciprocal switching order. [Click for full statement.]

 

STB Adopts Final Rule For Reciprocal Switching

04/30/2024 (Tuesday)
No. 24-20
Contact:  Michael Higgins (202) 245-0238

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it has adopted a final rule, by unanimous vote, to implement new regulations at 49 CFR part 1145 which sets forth a path for shippers and receivers to petition the Board for the prescription of a reciprocal switching agreement. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Chairman Martin J. Oberman Announces May 10, 2024 Retirement

04/26/2024 (Friday)
No. 24-19
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0238

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman announced today that he will retire from the Board on May 10, 2024. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Submits Comments in EPA Notice Regarding CARB Locomotive Emission Regulation

04/23/2024 (Tuesday)
No. 24-18
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that it has submitted comments on the notice of opportunity for public hearing and comment (Notice) published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on February 27, 2024. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Findings on Union Pacific Embargoes

04/17/2024 (Wednesday)
No. 24-17
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it has issued findings and closed the proceeding in Oversight Hearing Pertaining to Union Pacific Railroad Company’s Embargoes, Docket No. EP 772, but will continue to monitor Union Pacific Railroad Company’s (UP) use of embargoes.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS for a Proposed New Rail Line in Eagle Pass, TX

03/29/2024 (Friday)
No. 24-16
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in connection with Green Eagle Railroad, LLC’s proposed construction and operation of an approximately 1.3-mile rail line in Maverick County, Texas.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Appoints Inaugural Membership for the Passenger Rail Advisory Committee

03/28/2024 (Thursday)
No. 24-15
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today announced that, with the approval of the Board, he has appointed members to the newly formed Passenger Rail Advisory Committee (PRAC).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Draft Environmental Assessment for Proposed Acquisitions of Rail Line in Alabama and Mississippi

03/18/2024 (Monday)
No. 24-14
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA) for CSX Transportation Inc.’s (CSX) request for Board authority to acquire and operate the assets comprising the rail line of Meridian & Bigbee Railroad, L.L.C. (MNBR) that runs approximately 93.7 miles between Burkville and Myrtlewood, Alabama, and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited’s (CPKC) request to acquire from MNBR and to operate approximately 50.4 miles of rail line between Meridian, Mississippi, and Myrtlewood, Alabama. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Denies Union Pacific Railroad’s Motion to Keep Employment Data Confidential

03/14/2024 (Tuesday)
No. 24-13
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it has denied a motion for protective order filed by Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) to keep certain required, temporary employment data reporting confidential. The Board also directs UP to submit public versions of previously submitted data.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Appoints Railroad Representative to Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council

03/12/2024 (Tuesday)
No. 24-12
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced the addition of Mr. Ryan Dreier to the Board’s Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC).  He joins RSTAC as a large railroad representative.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Final Environmental Assessment for Proposed New Rail Line in Tooele County, Utah

03/01/2024 (Friday)
No. 24-11
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Final Environmental Assessment (Final EA) for the proposed construction and operation of a new rail line in Tooele County, Utah, by Savage Tooele Railroad Company (STR).  [Click for full press release.]

 

FRA Administrator Bose Sends Letter to UP CEO Jim Vena

02/29/2024 (Thursday)
No. 24-10
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

A letter from Administrator Amit Bose of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to Union Pacific Railroad (UP) CEO Jim Vena regarding UP’s prioritization of cost-cutting above safety has been posted to the Board’s website as a formal STB filing in Urgent Issues in Freight Rail Service—Railroad Reporting, Docket No. EP 770 (Sub-No. 1).  [Click for full press release.]

 

Chairman Oberman Addresses SEARS Conference Regarding Activist Investors

02/29/2024 (Thursday)
No. 24-09
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today addressed the Southeast Association of Rail Shippers Conference in Atlanta, Georgia regarding the potential negative impact of activist investors in the rail sector.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Kristen Monaco Appointed Director of STB Office of Economics

02/27/2024 (Tuesday)
No. 24-08
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today announced that, with the approval of the Board, he has appointed Dr. Kristen Monaco to serve as Director of the Office of Economics.  [Click for full press release.]

 

FRA Administrator Bose Sends Letter to NS CEO Alan Shaw

02/21/2024 (Wednesday)
No. 24-07
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

A letter from Administrator Amit Bose of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to Norfolk Southern Corporation President and CEO Alan Shaw regarding the FRA’s focus on rail safety in light of recent activist investor interest in NS, has been posted to the Board’s website.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Extends Employment Data Reporting for Class I Carriers

01/31/2024 (Wednesday)
No. 24-06
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision that extends the temporary reporting of employment data to December 31, 2024, and that requires certain updated information from BNSF Railway Company (BNSF), CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX), Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS), and Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) (collectively, the Four Carriers).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Adopts Final Rule Amending Emergency Service Regulations

01/24/2024 (Wednesday)
No. 24-05
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it has adopted a final rule, by unanimous vote, to amend its emergency service regulations to provide immediate relief for shippers in certain situations.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Requires Additional Information in Amtrak Gulf Coast Proceeding and Schedules Hearing

01/19/2024 (Friday)
No. 24-04
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that, in a next status report due on February 1, 2024, it will require additional information from the National Passenger Railroad Corporation (Amtrak), CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX), Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS), and the Port of Mobile regarding the status of their settlement agreement to allow Amtrak to operate service in the Gulf Coast region.  The Board has also scheduled a hearing for February 14, 2024, for the parties to report on the settlement status more fully.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Draft Environmental Assessment for Proposed New Rail Line in Suffolk County, New York

01/05/2024 (Friday)
No. 24-03
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA) for the proposed construction and operation of a new rail line in Suffolk County, New York by Townline Rail Terminal, LLC.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Seeks to Fill Vacancies on the Passenger Rail Advisory Committee

01/04/2024 (Thursday)
No. 24-02
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a notice to solicit nominations for membership in the newly formed Passenger Rail Advisory Committee (PRAC).  The Board seeks to fill all 18 vacant positions.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB General Counsel Craig Keats Retires After Distinguished Career

01/03/2024 (Wednesday)
No. 24-01
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced the retirement of General Counsel Craig M. Keats after a career in public service spanning more than 51 years. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Extends Reply Comment Period for Proposed Reciprocal Switching Rule

11/21/2023 (Tuesday)
No. 23-22
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board announced that it will extend by fourteen days the reply comment period in Reciprocal Switching for Inadequate Service, Docket No. EP 711 (Sub-No. 2), a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that focuses on providing rail customers with access to reciprocal switching as a remedy for poor service.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Provides Notice of Intent to Establish Passenger Rail Advisory Committee

11/13/2023 (Monday)
No. 23-21
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it has provided public notice that it intends to establish a federal advisory committee on passenger rail service, the Passenger Rail Advisory Committee (PRAC or Committee).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Appoints Six Members to Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee

10/23/2023 (Monday)
No. 23-20
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced the appointment of six new members to the Board’s Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Extends Comment Period for Proposed Reciprocal Switching Rule

09/29/2023 (Friday)
No. 23-19
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it will extend by 15 days the comment period in Reciprocal Switching for Inadequate Service, Docket No. EP 711 (Sub-No. 2), a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that focuses on providing rail customers with access to reciprocal switching as a remedy for poor service.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Draft Environmental Assessment for Proposed New Rail Line in Tooele County, Utah

09/29/2023 (Friday)
No. 23-18
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed construction and operation of a new rail line in Tooele County, Utah, by Savage Tooele Railroad Company.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB to Hold Public Meeting on Proposed Harsimus Rail Line Abandonment

09/14/2023 (Thursday)
No. 23-17
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) will hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 5:00PM to 9:00PM ET, concerning the historic review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act in the pending Harsimus Branch rail line abandonment (Docket No. AB 167 (Sub-No. 1189X)).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Proposed Rule Regarding Reciprocal Switching for Inadequate Service

09/07/2023 (Thursday)
No. 23-16
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in Reciprocal Switching for Inadequate Service, Docket No. EP 711 (Sub-No. 2), which focuses on providing rail customers with access to reciprocal switching as a remedy for poor service.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Appoints Labor Representative to Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council

08/23/2023 (Wednesday)
No. 23-15
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced the addition of Jeremy Ferguson to the Board’s Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC).  Mr. Ferguson joins as an at-large member. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Monitoring Rail Service Impacts of Tropical Storm Hilary

08/21/2023 (Monday)
No. 23-14
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board is actively monitoring any rail service disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Hilary. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Denies BNSF Petition to Stay the Preliminary Injunction Requiring the Transport of Coal for NTEC

08/14/2023 (Monday)
No. 23-13
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it is denying BNSF Railway Company’s (BNSF) petition for partial stay of the Board’s previous decision in Navajo Transitional Energy Company, LLC – Ex Parte Petition for Emergency Service Order, Docket No. NOR 42178.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Opens Investigation into On-Time Performance of Amtrak’s Sunset Limited Service

07/11/2023 (Tuesday)
No. 23-12
Contact:  Michael Higgins (202) 245-0284

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision opening an investigation into the on-time performance of Amtrak’s Sunset Limited long-distance passenger train service, which runs between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Los Angeles, California. The proceeding is instituted in response to Amtrak’s Complaint and Petition for Board Investigation and Other Relief requesting that the Board investigate the on-time performance of the Sunset Limited.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Grants Preliminary Injunction; Orders BNSF Railway Company to Transport 4.2 Million Tons of Coal for Navajo Transitional Energy Company, LLC

06/23/2023 (Friday)
No. 23-11
Contact:  Michael Higgins (202) 245-0284

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a preliminary injunction requiring BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) to transport 4.2 million tons of coal from Navajo Transitional Energy Company, LLC’s (NTEC) Spring Creek mine in Montana to the Westshore Terminals export facility in British Columbia, Canada during 2023.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Chairman Responds to AAR’s Letter of Concern About RETAC, Reiterates His Support for Candid and Robust Stakeholder Discussions

06/16/2023 (Friday)
No. 23-10
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today responded to concerns raised by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) about subjects discussed at the Spring 2023 meeting of the STB’s Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Draft Environmental Assessment for Proposed New Rail Line in Mesa, Arizona

05/31/2023 (Wednesday)
No. 23-09
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed construction of a new rail line in Mesa, Arizona by Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Appoints New Members to Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council

05/23/2023 (Tuesday)
No. 23-08
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced the addition of Justin Broyles and Robert (Buck) Rogers to the Board’s Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Approves CP/KCS Merger With Conditions and Extended Oversight Period

03/14/2023 (Wednesday)
No. 23-07
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued its decision approving the acquisition of Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS) by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP), with conditions.  The decision includes an unprecedented seven-year oversight period and contains many conditions designed to mitigate environmental impacts, preserve competition, protect railroad workers, and promote efficient passenger rail.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB to Hold a Press Conference on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. ET

03/14/2023 (Tuesday)
No. 23-06
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin Oberman will hold a press conference regarding the agency’s decision on the proposed acquisition of Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS) by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Appoints New Members to Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council

03/10/2023 (Friday)
No. 23-05
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced the addition of Richard Erstad and James (Leggett) Kitchin to the Board’s Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Appoints Nine Members to Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee

03/09/2023 (Thursday)
No. 23-04
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced the appointment of nine new members to the Board’s Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC). [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Recognizes CSX and UP for Labor Agreements Providing Paid Sick Leave

02/22/2023 (Friday)
No. 23-03
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Board welcomes news of the recent agreements reached by both CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX) and Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) with several rail labor unions, providing for paid sick leave.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Final Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed CP/KCS Merger

01/27/2023 (Friday)
No. 23-02
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s (Board) Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed acquisition of Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS) by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP).  [Click for full press release.]

 

Karen Hedlund Designated Vice Chairman of Surface Transportation Board

01/09/2023 (Monday)
No. 23-01
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that Board Member Karen Hedlund has been designated as the agency’s vice chairman.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Directs UP to Deliver Trains to Foster Farms

12/30/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-56
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision that directs Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) to carry out specific service commitments to Foster Poultry Farms (Foster Farms).  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Adopts New Rules for Smaller Rate Disputes

12/19/2022 (Monday)
No. 22-55
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today adopted two final rules establishing new rate reasonableness procedures which provide two streamlined approaches for shippers and railroads to resolve smaller rate disputes. The Board established a voluntary arbitration program and an entirely new procedure for rate challenges, known as Final Offer Rate Review (FORR).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Posts Additional Data from Class I Carriers

12/09/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-54
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced it has posted to its website certain railroad service and employment data collected as a result of the Board’s May 6, 2022 order in EP 770. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Chairman Sends Letter in Response to UP Filing in EP 772

12/08/2022 (Thursday)
No. 22-53
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin Oberman today sent a letter to Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) in response to UP’s December 6th filing pursuant to the Board’s November 22, 2022 order, in STB Docket No. EP 772, Oversight Hearing Pertaining to Union Pacific Railroad Company’s Embargoes.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Selects Acting Director for the Office of Passenger Rail

12/08/2022 (Thursday)
No. 22-52
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it has selected senior staff member, Neil Moyer, to serve as acting director of the Board’s Office of Passenger Rail (OPR).  The office was established on October 1, 2022, and is responsible for investigating and analyzing issues regarding Amtrak on-time performance (OTP).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Additional Information for Hearing Regarding UP Embargoes

12/07/2022 (Wednesday)
No. 22-51
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced additional information in preparation for the upcoming hearing regarding Union Pacific (UP) embargoes. The notice sets the schedule of appearances, the time allotted to each speaker or group, and provides specific instructions for panelist participation.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Receives Notice of Settlement Agreement Regarding Amtrak Operations in Gulf Coast

11/22/2022 (Tuesday)
No. 22-50
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that the parties to the pending application of Amtrak to commence passenger service on the Gulf Coast have reached a settlement.  The Board today issued a decision granting the parties’ joint motion to hold in abeyance the proceeding to enable the Parties to effectuate the conditions of the settlement agreement.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Notice of Public Hearing Regarding Union Pacific Embargoes

11/22/2022 (Tuesday)
No. 22-49
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it will hold an in-person public hearing on December 13 and 14, 2022, with Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) pertaining to the substantial increase in its use of embargoes as a method of reducing rail traffic congestion.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Announces Final Hearing Dates and Voting Conference in Amtrak Gulf Coast Proceeding

10/28/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-48
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that the hearing regarding the National Railroad Passenger Corporation’s (Amtrak) application to operate Gulf Coast Service will continue on November 17 and 18, 2022, beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET each day.  The Board also announced that it will hold a voting conference on December 7, 2022, beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Extends Temporary Reporting Period for Class I Carriers

10/28/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-47
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued an order extending the temporary reporting period for all Class I carriers for six months and requires certain updated information from BNSF Railway Company, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Railway Company, and Union Pacific Railroad Company. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Establishes the Office of Passenger Rail

10/13/2022 (Thursday)
No. 22-46
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it has established the Office of Passenger Rail (OPR), effective October 1, 2022.  OPR will be responsible for investigating and analyzing issues regarding Amtrak on-time performance (OTP). [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Schedule of Appearances and Additional Information for Hearing Regarding Proposed CP/KCS Merger

09/22/2022 (Thursday)
No. 22-45
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced additional instructions in preparation for the upcoming hearing regarding the proposed merger between Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) and Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS). The notice sets the schedule of appearances, the time allotted to each speaker or group, and provides specific instructions for panelist participation. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Extends Public Comment Period for CP/KCS Merger Draft Environmental Impact Statement

09/06/2022 (Tuesday)
No. 22-44
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a notice extending the deadline for public comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed acquisition of Kansas City Southern by Canadian Pacific.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Notice Changing a Public Meeting Location for CP/KCS Merger Draft Environmental Impact Statement

08/26/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-43
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a notice regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed acquisition of Kansas City Southern Railway by Canadian Pacific Railway.  Today’s notice changes the venue for one of the four in-person public meetings. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Sends Letter to Class I Railroad Members of the National Grain Car Council Regarding Fall Harvest

08/19/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-42
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Board announced today that it sent a letter to the Class I railroad members of the National Grain Car Council (NGCC) in advance of the August 25, 2022 NGCC meeting in Kansas City, MO.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Chairman Oberman Appoints Janie Sheng as Director of Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance

08/15/2022 (Monday)
No. 22-41
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today announced that he has appointed, with the approval of the Board, Janie Sheng to serve as Director of the Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance (OPAGAC).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed CP/KCS Merger

08/05/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-40
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) issued a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) today for the proposed acquisition of Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS) by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) in Docket No. FD 36500.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Rules on Amtrak Motion to Compel and Other Matters in Gulf Coast Case

07/22/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-39
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced a decision that denies a motion to compel filed by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), related to its application to restore passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast, and that rules on other pending matters in the proceeding.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Sets September Public Hearing Dates for CP/KCS Merger Review and Modifies Procedural Schedule

07/22/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-38
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it will hold a three-day public hearing on the proposed merger between Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) and Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS) on September 28, 29, and 30, 2022 at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, DC.  Speakers will also be allowed to participate online using video conferencing.  The Board is also modifying the procedural schedule so that final briefs will be due by October 14, 2022, after the public hearing.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Earns Top Five Ranking in Best Places to Work in Federal Government

07/19/2022 (Tuesday)
No. 22-37
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board has been named one of the top-five best places to work for small federal government agencies, according to the latest rankings issued by the Partnership for Public Service.  The STB placed fifth overall among small agencies.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Statement From STB Chairman Martin J. Oberman on One-Year Anniversary of Executive Order on Competition

07/11/2022 (Monday)
No. 22-36
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today commended the Biden Administration’s efforts to foster competition in U.S. businesses on the one-year anniversary of Executive Order 14036, “Promoting Competition in the American Economy.”  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Continues Emergency Service Period for Foster Farms; Directs Service Commitments and Reporting

07/01/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-35
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision that directs Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) to continue carrying out specific service commitments to Foster Poultry Farms (Foster Farms), filing daily status reports to the Board, and holding weekly conferences with Board staff, and to inform the Board and Foster Farms in writing of any need to deviate from its proposed schedules.   [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Accepts Responsive Applications by CN and NS for Consideration in Proposed CP/KCS Merger

07/01/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-34
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a notice in the merger application filed by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) and Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS), accepting responsive applications by Canadian National Railway Company (CN) and Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS) for consideration by the Board.   [Click for full press release.]

 

Mai Dinh Appointed Director of Board’s Office of Proceedings

06/22/2022 (Wednesday)
No. 22-33
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today announced that he has appointed, with the approval of the Board, Mai Dinh to serve as Director of the Office of Proceedings.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Directs Four Largest U.S. Railroads to Correct Deficiencies in Service Recovery Plans and to Provide Additional Information

06/13/2022 (Monday)
No. 22-32
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued an order directing BNSF Railway Company (BNSF), CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX), Norfolk Southern Railway (NSR), and Union Pacific Railroad (UP) to correct deficiencies in their rail service recovery plans filed in response to a Board order issued on May 6, 2022.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Modifies Protective Order in Amtrak Operations in Gulf Coast; Orders Mediation

06/10/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-31
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it will allow certain Amtrak personnel access to select materials designated as “highly confidential,” modifying the protective order in the National Railroad Passenger Corporation’s (Amtrak) application to operate Gulf Coast service.  In addition, to facilitate settlement, the Board in its decision also ordered Board-sponsored mediation in this case. [Click for full press release.]

 

Chairman Oberman, Vice Chairman Schultz, and Board Member Fuchs Visit LyondellBasell Facility in Morris, Illinois

06/07/2022 (Tuesday)
No. 22-30
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin Oberman, Vice Chairman Michelle Schultz, and Board Member Patrick Fuchs recently visited a LyondellBasell petrochemical plant in Morris, Illinois to view operations and observe the facility’s important partnership with freight railroads.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Resumes Acceptance of Paper Filings

05/29/2022 (Tuesday)
No. 22-29
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it has resumed acceptance of filings and other submissions in paper format at its headquarters in Washington, D.C.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Requires Additional Service Reporting From Railroads

05/06/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-28
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it will require certain railroads to submit service recovery plans as well as provide additional data and regular progress reports on rail service, operations, and employment.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Resumes Hearing on Amtrak Operations in Gulf Coast

05/04/2022 (Wednesday)
No. 22-27
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that the evidentiary hearing regarding the National Railroad Passenger Corporation’s (Amtrak) application to operate Gulf Coast Service will continue on May 9 and May 11, 2022.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Proposes to Codify Certain Voluntary Rail Data Submissions

04/29/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-26
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to codify a longstanding voluntary practice of data reporting by the Class I carriers.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Determines Data to be Used for Environmental Analysis in Proposed CP/KCS Merger

04/27/2022 (Wednesday)
No. 22-25
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision in the review of the merger application filed by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) and Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS), determining which baseline traffic density data will be used to conduct the environmental analysis.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Bronaugh, FMC Commissioner Bentzel to Testify at Hearing on Urgent Issues in Freight Rail Service

04/22/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-24
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg is expected to provide testimony at the scheduled Board hearing on Urgent Issues in Freight Rail Service, beginning on April 26, 2022.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Proposes Revised Emergency Service Rules

04/22/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-23
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend its emergency service rules to provide relief for shippers in situations that require immediate relief.  The Board proposes, among other things, to clarify that it may act on its own initiative to direct emergency rail service, and to establish an accelerated process for acute service emergencies. [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Approves CSX’s Revised Merger Application to Acquire Pan Am

04/14/2022 (Thursday)
No. 22-22
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced a decision approving the revised merger application filed by CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX) to acquire control of Pan Am Systems, Inc., and its short line railroad subsidiaries (Pan Am).  Pan Am owns rail lines and provides rail service on a freight rail network in New England, from Maine in the north to the Boston, MA region in the south, and west to near Albany, NY.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Hearing Notice for Urgent Issues in Freight Rail Service

04/07/2022 (Thursday)
No. 22-21
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced it will hold a public hearing on April 26 and 27, 2022, on recent rail service problems and recovery efforts involving several Class I carriers.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Denies Request for Mediation in Amtrak Operations in Gulf Coast

04/01/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-20
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision denying a motion by CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX), Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS), and the Alabama Port Authority (Port) requesting that the Board order Board-sponsored mediation regarding the application of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to operate Gulf Coast service.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Allows Supplemental Written Comments and Extends Ex Parte Period in Reciprocal Switching

03/23/2022 (Wednesday)
No. 22-19
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision allowing supplemental written comments and extending the ex parte communications period in the Reciprocal Switching proceeding.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Additional Information for Hearing Regarding Amtrak Operations in Gulf Coast

03/23/2022 (Wednesday)
No. 22-18
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced additional instructions in preparation for the evidentiary hearing beginning on April 4, 2022, regarding the National Railroad Passenger Corporation’s (Amtrak) application to operate Gulf Coast Service.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Requests Clarification of Traffic Density Data in Proposed CP/KCS Merger Filings

03/16/2022 (Wednesday)
No. 22-17
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision in the review of the merger application filed by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) and Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS), directing applicants to address an an issue regarding certain data submitted to the Board.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Decision Directing Parties to Address Certain Information at Hearing for Amtrak Operations in Gulf Coast

03/14/2022 (Monday)
No. 22-16
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision in preparation for the evidentiary hearing beginning on April 4, 2022, regarding the National Railroad Passenger Corporation’s (Amtrak) application to operate Gulf Coast service.  The Board directs the parties to be prepared to address several issues and a pending renewed request by Amtrak for access to certain lines of Norfolk Southern Railway Company.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Chairman Oberman Appoints Danielle Gosselin as Director of Office of Environmental Analysis

03/03/2022 (Thursday)
No. 22-15
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today announced that he has appointed, with the approval of the Board, Danielle Gosselin to serve as Director of the Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Procedural Schedule in Amtrak’s Application for Use of CN Facilities

03/03/2022 (Thursday)
No. 22-14
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision adopting a procedural schedule regarding the National Railroad Passenger Corporation’s (Amtrak) application, asking the Board to establish reasonable terms and compensation for Amtrak’s use of Canadian National Railway Company’s (CN) facilities and services.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Additional Information for Reciprocal Switching Hearing on March 15-16

03/01/2022 (Tuesday)
No. 22-13
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced additional details for the upcoming hearing concerning the Board’s proposed reciprocal switching regulations.  The public hearing will be held virtually on March 15 and 16, 2022, via Zoom, beginning each day at 9:30 a.m. ET.   [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Grants Unopposed Motion to Reschedule Hearing for Amtrak Operations in Gulf Coast

03/01/2022 (Tuesday)
No. 22-12
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision rescheduling the evidentiary hearing regarding the National Railroad Passenger Corporation’s (Amtrak) application to operate Gulf Coast service. The evidentiary hearing scheduled to begin on March 9, 2022, will be rescheduled to April 4 and 5, 2022, and continue on April 6 and 8, 2022, if necessary.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Clarifies Decision in Sanimax V. Union Pacific; Partially Grants UP Petition

02/25/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-11
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision clarifying a previous decision in the Sanimax USA LLC (Sanimax) common carrier obligation and unreasonable practices complaint against Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Announces Publication of Annual Rail Rate Index Study: 1985-2020

02/24/2022 (Thursday)
No. 22-10
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Economics (OE) today announced the publication of the Annual Rail Rate Index Study: 1985-2020, which distills data and analysis of freight rail rates into formal reports that are shared with the Board and the public.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Rules on Petition in CP/KCS Merger Application

02/18/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-09
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision postponing any determination of whether the anticipated responsive applications that may be filed by BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) and Canadian National Railway Company (CN) would be deemed “minor” or “significant” transactions under the Board’s regulations until after any such applications are submitted. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Final Scope of Study for CP/KCS Merger Environmental Impact Statement

02/18/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-08
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued the Final Scope of Study (Final Scope) for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that OEA is preparing in connection with the proposed acquisition of Kansas City Southern (KCS) by Canadian Pacific (CP) in Docket No. FD 36500. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Additional Hearing Information for Amtrak Operations in Gulf Coast

02/11/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-07
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced additional details for the first phase of the upcoming public hearing regarding the National Railroad Passenger Corporation’s (Amtrak) application to operate Gulf Coast service.  [Click for full press release.]

 

2020 Public Use Waybill Sample and Uniform Railroad Costing System Data Now Available

02/02/2022 (Wednesday)
No. 22-06
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board has posted the 2020 Public Use Waybill Sample and the 2020 Uniform Railroad Costing System (URCS) data.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Hearing Notice for Amtrak Operations in Gulf Coast

02/01/2022 (Tuesday)
No. 22-05
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced details for the upcoming public hearing regarding the National Railroad Passenger Corporation’s (Amtrak) application to operate Gulf Coast service.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Michelle Schultz Designated Vice Chairman of Surface Transportation Board

02/01/2022 (Tuesday)
No. 22-04
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that Board Member Michelle Schultz has been designated as the agency’s vice chairman.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Denies Extension Request for Reciprocal Switching; Hearing Remains Set for March 15 Application Review

01/28/2022 (Friday)
No. 22-03
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision denying a request to extend the procedural schedule in the docket regarding the Board’s proposed reciprocal switching regulations.  All procedural dates remain unchanged, including those for the public hearing beginning on March 15, 2022.   [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Additional Hearing Information in CSX/Pan Am Merger Application Review

01/06/2022 (Thursday)
No. 22-02
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced additional details for the upcoming public hearing on the revised application for CSX Corporation and CSX Transportation, Inc., et al. (CSX) to acquire control of Pan Am Systems, Inc., and its shortline subsidiaries.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Karen Hedlund Sworn in as New Member of the Surface Transportation Board

01/03/2022 (Monday)
No. 22-01
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Karen J. Hedlund was sworn in today as a new member of the Surface Transportation Board.  Ms. Hedlund was confirmed by the Senate on December 16, 2021.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Denies Request to Hold Arbitration Rulemaking Proceeding in Abeyance; Modifies Procedural Schedule

12/29/2021 (Wednesday)
No. 21-58
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision denying a motion to hold in abeyance the procedural schedule for the Board’s proposed rulemaking to establish a voluntary arbitration program for small rate disputes.  The decision also extends the deadline for reply comments in that proceeding and adjusts the procedural schedule for consideration of the proposed Final Offer Rate Review (FORR) procedure so that those related rulemaking proceedings remain on the same schedule. [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Issues Hearing Notice for Reciprocal Switching

12/28/2021 (Tuesday)
No. 21-57
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced details of the upcoming public hearing on proposed reciprocal switching regulations.  The public hearing will be held on March 15 and 16, 2022, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on each day, at the Board’s Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and will be available for viewing on the Board’s website.   [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Grants Approval for Watco Acquisitions in Wisconsin and Michigan

12/20/2021 (Monday)
No. 21-56
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision granting approval for exemptions sought by Watco Holdings, Inc., and two of its subsidiaries (collectively, Watco) in the acquisition of approximately 652 miles of rail line in Wisconsin and Michigan from Wisconsin Central Ltd. (WCL), which is controlled by Canadian National Railway Company. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Board Member Ann Begeman Departs Agency on December 17, 2021

12/20/2021 (Monday)
No. 21-55
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that, upon the appointment and Senate confirmation of Karen Hedlund, Board Member Ann Begeman’s last day at the agency was Friday, December 17, 2021. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Announces Publication of Annual Rail Rate Index Study

12/17/2021 (Friday)
No. 21-53
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Economics (OE) today announced the publication of the Annual Rail Rate Index Study: 1985-2019, which distills data and analysis of freight rail rates into formal reports that are shared with the Board and the public. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Extends Public Comment Period for CP/KCS Merger Environmental Impact Statement

12/17/2021 (Friday)
No. 21-52
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

On December 17, 2021, the Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) issued a Notice extending the deadline for public comments on the scope of the Environmental Impact Statement in Docket No. FD 36500 for the proposed acquisition of Kansas City Southern by Canadian Pacific.   The public comment period is extended to January 3, 2022. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Grants Final Approval For New Rail Line in Utah, Carbon, Duchesne, and Uintah Counties, Utah

12/15/2021 (Wednesday)
No. 21-51
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision granting final approval for an exemption sought by the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition (Coalition) to construct and operate a new line of railroad in Utah.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Issues Decisions in CSX/Pan Am Merger Application Review

12/10/2021 (Friday)
No. 21-50
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced the details of the upcoming public hearing on the revised application for CSX Corporation and CSX Transportation, Inc., et al. (CSX) to acquire control of Pan Am Systems, Inc., and its shortline subsidiaries. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Adopts Final Rule Establishing New Class Exemption For Emergency Temporary Trackage Rights

11/30/2021 (Tuesday)
No. 21-49
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it has adopted a final rule establishing a new class exemption for emergency temporary trackage rights.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Accepts CP/KCS Merger Application For Consideration

11/23/2021 (Tuesday)
No. 21-48
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it has accepted for consideration the application filed on October 29, 2021, by Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS) concerning their potential merger.  The Board adopts a procedural schedule that sets deadlines for comments, responsive applications, final briefs, and other filings.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Advances Rate Review Rulemakings For Small Rate Disputes

11/15/2021 (Monday)
No. 21-47
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it has advanced two rulemakings to establish rate reasonableness processes for small rate disputes:  a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to establish a voluntary arbitration program for small rate disputes, and a supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) for the Final Offer Rate Review (FORR) procedure.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Chairman Announces Three Upcoming Public Hearings

11/12/2021 (Friday)
No. 21-46
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today announced that the Board will be holding three public hearings in the first quarter of 2022 [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Notice of Intent to Prepare EIS For CP/KCS Merger Application

11/12/2021 (Friday)
No. 21-45
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in connection with the proposed acquisition of control of Kansas City Southern and its U.S. rail carrier subsidiaries (collectively, KCS) by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, Canadian Pacific Railway, and their U.S. rail carrier subsidiaries (collectively, CP) in Docket No. FD 36500. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Proposes Procedural Schedule for CP/KCS Merger Application and Invites Public Comments

11/02/2021 (Tuesday)
No. 21-44
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision inviting public comments on a proposed procedural schedule for the proposed transaction between Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) and Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS).  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Allows Formal Service Complaint to Proceed in Sanimax v. Union Pacific

11/02/2021 (Tuesday)
No. 21-43
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a decision granting Sanimax USA LLC’s (Sanimax) request for the Board to partially revoke commodity exemptions and permits its service case against Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) to proceed. [Click for full press release.]

 

Chairman Oberman, Board Member Schultz Visit Railroads in Nebraska and Iowa

10/26/2021 (Tuesday)
No. 21-42
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Chairman Martin J. Oberman and Board Member Michelle A. Schultz traveled to important segments of the nation’s rail network last week.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Finds Previous Approval of Voting Trust Applies to Proposed Merger Between CP and KCS

09/30/2021 (Thursday)
No. 21-41
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board issued a decision today providing notice of its receipt of an amended notice of intent to file an application seeking authority for a proposed transaction between Canadian Pacific Railway Company (CP) and Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS).  The Board finds that the approval it previously granted to CP and KCS to use a voting trust applies to the voting trust described in the amended notice. [Click for full press release.]

 

Final Environmental Assessment Issued For Proposed Abandonment of Harsimus Branch in Jersey City, N.J.

09/23/2021 (Thursday)
No. 21-40
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) today issued a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) as part of OEA’s environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in the pending rail line abandonment proceeding, Consolidated Rail Corporation-Abandonment Exemption-in Hudson County, N.J., Docket No. AB 167 (Sub-No. 1189X), in which Conrail seeks authority to abandon the Harsimus Branch, a 1.36-mile rail line in Jersey City, N.J. [Click for full press release.]

 

Railroad Revenue Adequacy – 2020 Determination

09/07/2021 (Tuesday)
No. 21-39
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that is has made its annual determination of revenue adequacy for the Nation’s Class I freight railroads for 2020.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Invites Comment on First-Mile / Last-Mile Service Issues

09/02/2021 (Thursday)
No. 21-38
Contact:  Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced a decision inviting comment on issues regarding first-mile / last-mile (FMLM) service.  FMLM service refers to the movement of railcars between a local railroad serving yard and a shipper or receiver facility.  The Board seeks comment from the shipping community, carriers, and the public concerning what, if any, FMLM issues they consider relevant.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Rejects Use of Voting Trust in Proposed Merger between CN and KCS

08/31/2021 (Tuesday)
No. 21-37
Contact:  Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced a unanimous decision rejecting the use of a voting trust agreement in connection with the proposed transaction between Canadian National Railway (CN) and Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS).   The Board has determined that the proposed voting trust is not consistent with the public interest standard under the Board’s merger regulations.   [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Selects Coordinator For Passenger Rail OTP Preparedness

08/19/2021 (Thursday)
No. 21-36
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it has selected senior staff member, Neil Moyer, to coordinate the Board’s efforts in preparing to meet new intercity passenger rail on-time performance (OTP) responsibilities.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Statement From Surface Transportation Board That it Anticipates Ruling on the CN and KCS voting Trust Motion by August 31, 2021

08/10/2021 (Tuesday)
No. 21-35
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Board is currently considering a motion, filed jointly by Canadian National Railway (CN) and Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS), to approve the parties’ proposed voting trust agreement.  The Board is issuing this statement today to announce that the Board expects to issue a decision on the proposed voting trust no later than August 31, 2021. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Institutes A Proceeding on Amtrak’s Application For an Order Allowing Operations Over CSXT and NSR Lines Along the Gulf Coast

08/06/2021 (Friday)
No. 21-34
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today instituted a proceeding on the application filed by the National Passenger Railroad Corporation (Amtrak) under 49 U.S.C. § 24308(e), which seeks an STB order requiring CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT), and Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR) to allow Amtrak to operate additional intercity passenger trains over their lines along the Gulf Coast between New Orleans, La., and Mobile, Ala.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Final Environmental Impact Statement Issued For Proposed Uinta Basin Railway in Carbon, Duchesne, Uintah, and Utah Counties, Utah

08/06/2021 (Friday)
No. 21-33
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis today issued a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in Docket No. FD 36284 for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway in Carbon, Duchesne, Uintah, and Utah Counties, Utah.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Decides Petition For Declaratory Order Relating to Materials Sought by CP in Preparing Application For Control of KCS

08/02/2021 (Monday)
No. 21-32
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced a decision on a petition filed by Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) which asked the Board to confirm that Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS) remains obligated to provide information to CP for purposes of preparing an application to acquire control of KCS.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Accepts CSX’s Revised Merger Application to Acquire Pan Am

07/30/2021 (Friday)
No. 21-31
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced a decision accepting for consideration the revised merger application filed by CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) to acquire control of Pan Am Systems, Inc., and its short line railroad subsidiaries. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Chairman Expresses Concern Over International Intermodal Supply Chain Issues;
Requests Information From Class I Railroads

07/22/2021 (Thursday)
No. 21-30
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today sent a letter to all Class I railroads expressing his concern over persistent problems with congestion in the international intermodal supply chain and significant container storage fees that some shippers are being required to pay in order to receive their containers. [Click for full press release.]

 

Statement From STB Chairman Martin J. Oberman on Executive Order on Competition

07/09/2021 (Friday)
No. 21-29
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Today the White House issued an Executive Order, “Promoting Competition in the American Economy.”  The Executive Order reaffirms the policy of the United States to combat excessive concentration of industry, abuses of market power, and the harmful effects of monopoly and monopsony. [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Announces Release of Updated Rail Heritage Map

06/23/2021 (Wednesday)
No. 21-28
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) has published an updated version of its Rail Heritage Map on its Railroad Map Depot webpage.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Briefed on Freight Rail Industry Cybersecurity Preparedness

06/21/2021 (Monday)
No. 21-27
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board met recently with members of the cybersecurity team at the Association of American Railroads (AAR) to receive a briefing on AAR’s cybersecurity work and the rail industry’s cybersecurity planning and preparedness. [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Directs CN, KCS to Submit Documents Necessary for Review of Voting Trust; Sets Comment Deadlines

06/09/2021 (Wednesday)
No. 21-26
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board yesterday issued a decision that instructs Canadian National Railway (CN) and Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS) to submit for review certain documents referenced in the applicants’ merger agreement for purposes of the Board’s consideration of their request for approval of a proposed voting trust.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Asks Class I Railroads to Continue to Report Revenues From Demurrage and Accessorial Charges

05/28/2021 (Friday)
No. 21-25
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today sent letters to all Class I railroads requesting that they continue to provide quarterly information about their revenues from demurrage and accessorial charges.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Chairman Requests Class I Railroads Report on Preparedness to Meet Demand, Workforce and Equipment Resources

05/27/2021 (Thursday)
No. 21-24
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today sent letters to all Class I railroads requesting that they provide an update on their preparedness to meet the demand for rail service as the nation continues its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Rules on Completeness of CSX’s Merger Application to Acquire Pan Am, Permits Filing of Revised Application

05/26/2021 (Wednesday)
No. 21-23
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced a decision finding the merger application filed by CSX Transportation, Inc. to acquire control of Pan Am Systems, Inc. and its short line railroad subsidiaries to be incomplete.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Determines That Current Merger Rules Apply to Transaction Between CN and KCS, Denies CN’s Motion For Approval of Voting Trust Agreement Without Prejudice

05/17/2021 (Monday)
No. 21-22
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced a decision finding that application of the waiver provision under 49 C.F.R. § 1180.0(b) to the potential transaction between Canadian National Railway (CN) and Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS) is not warranted.  The Board also denied CN’s motion to approve a proposed voting trust agreement as incomplete, without prejudice to filing a new motion.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Determines Proposed Voting Trust For Use in Merger Between CP and KCS is Acceptable, With Certain Modifications

05/06/2021 (Thursday)
No. 21-21
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced a decision finding that formal Board review of the voting trust agreement for use in connection with the proposed transaction between Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS) is warranted.  In the decision, the Board determined that the proposed arrangement is acceptable with certain modifications. [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Determines Regulatory Waiver for Merger Between CP and KCS Applies

04/23/2021 (Friday)
No. 21-20
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced a decision finding that the waiver provision under 49 C.F.R. § 1180.0(b) applies to the potential transaction between Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS).  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Forms Working Group to Prepare for Upcoming On-Time Performance Responsibilities

04/15/2021 (Wednesday)
No. 21-19
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) Chairman Martin J. Oberman announced today that the STB has formed a passenger rail working group consisting of STB staff.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Announces Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

04/07/2021 (Wednesday)
No. 21-18
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board announced that the semi-annual meeting of the Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC) will be held on Thursday, April 22, at 1 p.m. ET.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Adopts Final Rule Establishing Minimum Information Requirements for Class I Demurrage Invoices

04/06/2021 (Tuesday)
No. 21-17
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced the adoption of a final rule in Demurrage Billing Requirements, Docket No. EP 759.  The final rule establishes certain minimum information requirements for demurrage bills from Class I railroads, including among other things, billing cycle, shipment, car placement, and credit and debit information.   [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Adopts Final Rule Amending Thresholds for Classifying Rail Carriers

04/05/2021 (Monday)
No. 21-16
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board (Board) today announced the adoption of a final rule to amend the operating revenue thresholds for classifying rail carriers.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Determines CSX Transportation, Inc.’s Proposed Acquisition of Pan Am Systems is a Significant Transaction

03/25/2021 (Thursday)
No. 21-15
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that it will review the proposed acquisition by CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) of Pan Am Systems, Inc. (Pan Am) as a “significant” transaction under the Board’s regulations for railroad mergers, rejecting the request of CSXT and Pan Am to treat the proposed acquisition as a “minor” transaction.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Website Access During Maintenance on Friday, March 26 and Saturday, March 27

03/24/2021 (Wednesday)
No. 21-14
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Friday, March 26, at 3 p.m. through Saturday, March 27:  The website will be available during maintenance ONLY by entering www-stb-gov.go-vip.net (without “www” at the beginning of the address) into your web browser.  Following maintenance, the website will be available as usual, at www-stb-gov.go-vip.net.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Statement From STB Chairman Martin J. Oberman on Pending Railroad Mergers

03/23/2021 (Tuesday)
No. 21-13
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board has received a “notice of intent” regarding a proposed transaction that would place Canadian Pacific Railway Company and the Kansas City Southern Railway Company, both of which are Class I railroads, under common control.  The Board is also reviewing the proposed acquisition of rail carriers owned by Pan Am Systems, and Pan Am Railways, a Class II railroad, by CSX Transportation, Inc., a Class I railroad. [Click for full press release.]

 

Chairman Oberman Designates Director William Brennan as Chief Economist

03/22/2021 (Monday)
No. 21-12
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman announced today that he has designated Dr. William Brennan, director of the Office of Economics, as the Board’s chief economist.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Appoints Itzkoff, Jakubowski to Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council

03/05/2021 (Friday)
No. 21-11
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced the addition of Donald Itzkoff and Eric Jakubowski to the Board’s Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC).  They join RSTAC as small railroad representatives.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Chairman Oberman Appoints Ellen Erichsen as Chief of Staff

02/04/2021 (Thursday)
No. 21-10
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Marty Oberman announced today that he has chosen Ellen Erichsen to serve as his chief of staff.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Robert Primus Designated Vice Chairman of Surface Transportation Board

02/01/2021 (Monday)
No. 21-09
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that Board Member Robert Primus has been designated as the agency’s vice chairman. [Click for full press release.]

 

Comment Period Extended: Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Uinta Basin Railway in Carbon, Duchesne, Uintah, and Utah Counties, Utah

01/28/2021 (Thursday)
No. 21-08
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Office of Environmental Analysis has extended the public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Uinta Basin Railway in Carbon, Duchesne, Uintah, and Utah Counties, Utah by 15 days.  Comments are now due by February 12, 2021.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Members Thank Ann Begeman, Congratulate Martin Oberman as Chairmanship Changes Hands

01/22/2021 (Friday)
No. 21-07
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Board Members join Chairman Oberman in his recognition of former Chairman Ann D. Begeman’s dedicated leadership and congratulate him on his well-deserved appointment. [Click for full press release.]

 

Martin Oberman Thanks Ann Begeman for Her Service on the Surface Transportation Board

01/21/2021 (Thursday)
No. 21-06
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Martin Oberman thanks Ann Begeman for her tireless leadership and dedication to the Surface Transportation Board as Chairman for the last four years.  [Click for full press release.]

 

President Biden Designates Martin J. Oberman Chairman of Surface Transportation Board

01/21/2021 (Thursday)
No. 21-05
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has designated Martin J. Oberman as Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Seeks Nominations to Fill Two Small Railroad Representative Vacancies on Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council

01/13/2021 (Wednesday)
No. 21-04
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that it is seeking nominations for candidates to fill two vacancies for small railroad representatives on the Board’s Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC). [Click for full press release.]

 

Michelle Schultz Sworn in as New Member of the Surface Transportation Board

01/11/2021 (Monday)
No. 21-03
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Michelle A. Schultz was sworn in today as a new member of the Surface Transportation Board.  Ms. Schultz was confirmed by the Senate on November 18, 2020.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Reconvenes Technical Conference

01/07/2021 (Thursday)
No. 21-02
Contact:  Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Board announced that its staff will reconvene the technical conference held on December 18, 2020, concerning a new approach its Office of Economics has developed for possible use in considering class exemption and revocation issues.  The technical conference will resume virtually via Zoom on January 15, 2021, at 10:00 AM ET. [Click for full press release.]

 

Robert Primus Sworn in as New Member of the Surface Transportation Board

01/07/2021 (Thursday)
No. 21-01
Contact:  Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Robert Primus was sworn in at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol, officiated by House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, as a new member of the Surface Transportation Board.  Mr. Primus was confirmed by the Senate on November 18, 2020. [Click for full press release.]

 

2019 Public Use Waybill Sample and Uniform Railroad Costing System Data Now Available

12/18/2020 (Friday)
No. 20-19
Contact:  Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board has posted the 2019 Public Use Waybill Sample and the 2019 Uniform Railroad Costing System (URCS) data.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board to Hold Technical Conference

12/04/2020 (Friday)
No. 20-18
Contact:  Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Board announced that its staff will hold a technical conference concerning a new approach its Office of Economics has developed for possible use in considering class exemption and revocation issues.  The technical conference will be held virtually via Zoom on December 18, 2020, at 10:00 AM ET.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Issued for the Proposed Uinta Basin Railway in Carbon, Duchesne, Uintah, and Utah Counties, Utah

10/30/2020 (Friday)
No. 20-17
Contact:  Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

On October 30, 2020, the Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis issued a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in Docket No. FD 36284 for the proposed Uinta Basin Railway in Carbon, Duchesne, Uintah, and Utah Counties, Utah.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Monitoring Impacts of Hurricane Zeta

10/28/2020 (Wednesday)
No. 20-16
Contact:  Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it is actively monitoring any rail service disruptions caused by Hurricane Zeta.  The National Hurricane Center forecasts hurricane conditions, especially along the coast of Louisiana, beginning on Friday.

The Board is prepared to utilize its emergency service authorities pursuant to 49 U.S.C § 11123 if a “failure of traffic movement exists which creates an emergency situation of such magnitude as to have substantial adverse effects on shippers, or on rail service in a region of the United States.” [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Monitoring Impacts of Hurricane Delta

10/07/2020 (Wednesday)
No. 20-15
Contact:  Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it is actively monitoring any rail service disruptions caused by Hurricane Delta.  The National Hurricane Center forecasts hurricane conditions, especially along the coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi, beginning on Friday.

The Board is prepared to utilize its emergency service authorities pursuant to 49 U.S.C § 11123 if a “failure of traffic movement exists which creates an emergency situation of such magnitude as to have substantial adverse effects on shippers, or on rail service in a region of the United States.” [Click for full press release.]

 

Railroad Revenue Adequacy – 2019 Determination

10/01/2020 (Thursday)
No. 20-14
Contact:  Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that it has made its annual determination of revenue adequacy for the Nation’s Class I freight railroads for 2019.  The Board found that five Class I railroads (BNSF Railway Company, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Combined Railroad Subsidiaries, Soo Line Corporation, and Union Pacific Railroad Company) were revenue adequate for 2019.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Invites Public Input on New Approach for Considering Class Exemption and Revocation Issues

09/30/2020 (Wednesday)
No. 20-13
Contact:  Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it is seeking public comment concerning a new approach its Office of Economics (OE) has developed for possible use in considering class exemption and revocation issues.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Monitoring Rail Service Impacts of Hurricane Sally

09/15/2020 (Tuesday)
No. 20-12
Contact:  Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that it is actively monitoring any rail service disruptions caused by Hurricane Sally.  The National Hurricane Center forecasts hurricane conditions today for the Mississippi and Alabama coastlines and the western Florida Panhandle.  The Board is prepared to utilize its emergency service authorities pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 11123 if a “failure of traffic movement exists which creates an emergency situation of such magnitude as to have substantial adverse effects on shippers, or on rail service in a region of the United States.”  [Click for full press release.]

 

Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment Issued for the Proposed Abandonment of the Harsimus Branch in Jersey City, N.J.

09/10/2020 (Thursday)
No. 20-11
Contact:  Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

On September 10, 2020, the Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis issued a Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment (DSEA) in the pending rail line abandonment proceeding, Consolidated Rail Corporation-Abandonment Exemption-in Hudson County, N.J., Docket No. AB 167 (Sub-No. 1189X), in which Conrail seeks authority to abandon the Harsimus Branch, a 1.36-mile rail line in Jersey City, N.J.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Issues Final Rule to Improve Waybill Sample Data Collection

09/03/2020 (Thursday)
No. 20-10
Contact: Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced the adoption of a final rule improving its Waybill Sample data collection by creating a more robust dataset for decision-making and analyses, without adding undue burden on railroads. [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Monitoring Rail Service Impacts of Hurricane Laura

08/26/2020 (Wednesday)
No. 20-09
Contact:  Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board is actively monitoring any rail service disruptions caused by Hurricane Laura.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB and FRA Send Joint Letters to Class I Railroads

08/24/2020 (Monday)
No. 20-08
Contact: Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today sent a joint letter to each of the Class I railroads regarding recent issues related to the effects of the COVID-19 national emergency on the rail industry and service reliability.  The letters stress the importance of crew availability, safety, equipment resources, and communication between rail carriers and shippers as the nation works to restore jobs and promote economic recovery.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Issues Final Rule on Market Dominance

08/03/2020 (Monday)
No. 20-07
Contact: Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced the adoption of a final rule to establish a streamlined approach for pleading market dominance in rate reasonableness proceedings.  The final rule provides an option for simplifying the market dominance inquiry which otherwise can be costly and time-consuming, especially in smaller cases.  Today’s decision is part of the Board’s continuing effort to make its rate review procedures more accessible, efficient, and transparent.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Vice Chairman Oberman Announces Recusal from Board Proceeding

07/22/2020 (Wednesday)
No. 20-06
Contact: Janie Sheng, Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

Surface Transportation Board Vice Chairman Martin Oberman today announced that he will recuse himself from participating in the proceeding Petition for Declaratory Order and Preliminary Injunction, Docket No. FD 36420, filed on July 21, 2020, by the Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority d/b/a Metra. Based on his previous service as chairman of Metra, Vice Chairman Oberman determined that a recusal is appropriate in this case.

The petition for declaratory order in Docket No. FD 36420 may be viewed on the Board’s website here.

 

Surface Transportation Board Adopts Final Rule for Reporting Chemical and Plastics Rail Service Data

05/21/2020 (Thursday)
No. 20-05
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that it is adopting a final rule amending its railroad performance data reporting rules to include certain chemical and plastics traffic as a distinct reporting category to the Class I railroads’ weekly reporting for the “cars-held” metric.  The cars-held metric tracks the average number of loaded and empty railcars that have not moved for 48 hours or longer. [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Invites Additional Stakeholder Input on Rate Review Options

05/15/2020 (Friday)
No. 20-04
Contact: Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it will permit informal discussions with stakeholders on the Board’s proposed rule in Final Offer Rate Review, Docket No. EP 755 and comments received in that docket regarding arbitration and other rate review options for smaller cases.  The Board is waiving the general prohibition on ex parte communications in that docket and will permit informal communications with the Board Members and staff between June 1, 2020, and July 15, 2020. [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Issues Three Decisions Related to Demurrage Rules and Charges

04/30/2020 (Thursday)
No. 20-03
Contact:  Michael Booth (202) 245-1760

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it is issuing a series of decisions on demurrage and accessorial rules and charges, continuing its efforts to promote transparency, timeliness, and mutual accountability by rail carriers and the shippers and receivers they serve.  Informed by the significant number of comments received during the notice-and-comment process, the Board issued three related decisions today.   [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Issues Final Rule to Clarify Demurrage Regulations

02/28/2020 (Friday)
No. 20-02
Contact: Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that it is adopting a final rule clarifying the regulation of demurrage.   [Click for full press release.]

 

Martin J. Oberman Designated Vice Chairman of Surface Transportation Board

01/06/2020 (Monday)
No. 20-01
Contact: Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board announced that, effective today, Board Member Martin J. Oberman has been designated as the agency’s Vice Chairman.   [Click for full press release.]

 

Final Scope of Study Issued for the Uinta Basin Railway Environmental Impact Statement

12/13/2019 (Friday)
No. 19-21
Contact: Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board has issued a Notice of Availability of the Final Scope of Study (Final Scope) for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) being prepared in connection with the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition’s proposal to construct and operate an approximately 85-mile rail line in Utah, Carbon, Duchesne, and Uintah Counties, Utah.    [Click for full press release.]

 

2018 Public Use Waybill Sample and Uniform Railroad Costing System Data Now Available

12/12/2019 (Thursday)
No. 19-20
Contact: Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board has posted the 2018 Public Use Waybill Sample and the 2018 Uniform Railroad Costing System (URCS) data.    [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Issues Final Rule on Trail Use Negotiating Periods

12/04/2019 (Wednesday)
No. 19-19
Contact: Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that it is adopting a final rule amending its regulations related to the National Trails System Act (Trails Act).  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Proposes Rule to Improve Waybill Sample Reporting

11/29/2019 (Friday)
No. 19-18
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board today is proposing revised regulations to improve the utility of the Waybill Sample reporting that railroads submit to the Board.  Building on the work of the agency’s Rate Reform Task Force (RRTF), the Board is proposing these amendments to enhance the Waybill Sample as part of its continued effort to make the agency’s rate review procedures more accessible, efficient, and transparent.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Announces Additional Day and Speakers List for Hearing on Revenue Adequacy

11/22/2019 (Friday)
No. 19-17
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that the public hearing in Railroad Revenue Adequacy, Docket No. EP 722, and Hearing on Revenue Adequacy, Docket No. EP 761, will now be a two-day long hearing to take place on December 12-13, 2019, due to the number of notices of intent to participate filed with the Board.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Announces Launch of Redesigned Website and E-Filing System

11/20/2019 (Wednesday)
No. 19-16
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board announced today the launch of its redesigned website and electronic filing (E-filing) system.  The redesigned website and E-filing system will provide greater convenience to our stakeholders and the public, including eliminating the need for e-filers to create a log-in account.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Cultural Resources Effects Assessment Addendum Report Issued in “Harsimus Branch” Abandonment Proceeding

11/12/2019 (Tuesday)
No. 19-15
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

In November 12, 2019, the Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) issued a Cultural Resources Effects Assessment Addendum Report (Effects Addendum Report) in the pending rail-line abandonment proceeding, Consolidated Rail Corporation-Abandonment Exemption-in Hudson County, N.J., Docket No. AB 167 (Sub-No. 1189X), in which Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) seeks to abandon the Harsimus Branch, a 1.36-mi. rail line in Jersey City, N.J.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Issues Decisions Related to Demurrage Rules and Charges

10/07/2019 (Monday)
No. 19-14
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it is issuing a series of decisions on demurrage and accessorial rules and charges, continuing its efforts to improve dispute resolution processes, promote transparency, and make the agency more accessible.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Proposes Rule for Additional Reporting of Rail Service Data for Chemical and Plastics Traffic

09/30/2019 (Monday)
No. 19-13
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board today issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would amend the Board’s railroad performance data reporting rules.  Specifically, the Board proposes to include chemical and plastics traffic as a distinct reporting category.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Proposes to Revise its Methodology for Calculating the Rail Industry’s Cost of Capital

09/30/2019 (Monday)
No. 19-12
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board today announced a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to enhance its methodology for determining the railroad industry’s cost of capital by incorporating an additional model, called “Step MSDCF,” into the calculation.  [Click for full press release.]

 

STB Announces the Inspector General’s Annual Independent Audit Recognizing Significant Improvements in the Agency’s Information Security Program and Practices

09/27/2019 (Friday)
No. 19-11
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board is pleased to announce that it has made significant progress in its information security program and practices.  The Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General (DOT OIG) recently issued its audit report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 and recognized the STB’s significant efforts to mature its security program since DOT OIG’s first audit of the STB as a fully independent agency in FY 2017.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Announces Hearing on Railroad Revenue Adequacy

09/12/2019 (Thursday)
No. 19-10
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it will hold a public hearing on Thursday, December 12, 2019, on revenue adequacy issues raised by the Board’s Rate Reform Task Force (RRTF) in its report issued on April 25, 2019 (RRTF Report).  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Proposes Rules to Reform and Improve its Rate Review Procedures and Make Them More Accessible

09/12/2019 (Thursday)
No. 19-9
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board today is proposing new rules as part of its effort to make its rate review procedures more accessible, efficient, and transparent, including for small customers.  Building on the work of the agency’s Rate Reform Task Force (RRTF), the Board is proposing rules to establish a new rate review option for smaller cases, and provide a streamlined market dominance process that could be used in any rate review proceeding.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Railroad Revenue Adequacy–2018 Determination

09/05/2019 (Thursday)
No. 19-8
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0221

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that it has made its annual determination of revenue adequacy for the Nation’s Class I freight railroads for 2018.  The Board found that CSX Transportation, Inc., Soo Line Corporation, and Union Pacific Railroad Company were “revenue adequate” for 2018.  [Click for full press release.]

 

Surface Transportation Board Announces Additional Day and Speakers List for Oversight Hearing on Demurrage & Accessorial Charges

05/03/2019 (Friday)
No. 19-7
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0238

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that the public hearing in Oversight Hearing on Demurrage and Accessorial Charges, Docket No. EP 754, will now be a two-day long hearing on May 22-23, 2019, due to the number of notices of intent to participate filed with the Board.  [Click for full press release]

 

Surface Transportation Board Releases Report from the Rate Reform Task Force

04/29/2019 (Monday)
No. 19-6
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0238

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that its Rate Reform Task Force has completed a staff report providing its recommendations for possible changes to the rate review methodologies and processes used by the Board.  The Board simultaneously is making the report available to the public.  [Click for full press release]

 

STB Announces Details for Oversight Hearing on Demurrage and Accessorial Charges

04/08/2019 (Monday)
No. 19-5
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0238

The Surface Transportation Board announced today details for the agency’s upcoming public hearing on railroad demurrage and accessorial charges to be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, beginning at 9:30 a.m., in the Main Hearing Room (Room 101) of the U.S. International Trade Commission, located at 500 E Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., near the Board’s headquarters.  The Board will receive information from railroads, shippers, receivers, third-party logistics providers, and other interested parties about their recent experiences with demurrage and accessorial charges, including matters such as reciprocity, commercial fairness, the impact of operational changes on such charges, capacity issues, and effects on network fluidity.  [Click for full press release]

 

Surface Transportation Board Adopts Final Rule to Improve Payment, Filing, and Service Procedures

03/22/2019 (Friday)
No. 19-4
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0238

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that it is adopting a final rule to improve the Board’s payment, filing, and service procedures for its stakeholders.  [Click for full press release]

 

Surface Transportation Board Announces Hearing on Railroad Demurrage and Accessorial Charges

03/20/2019 (Wednesday)
No. 19-3
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0238

The Surface Transportation Board today announced that it will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, on railroad demurrage and accessorial charges.  Railroads, shippers, third-party logistics providers, and other interested parties will be invited to speak at the hearing and report their experience with demurrage and accessorial charges, including matters such as reciprocity, commercial fairness, operational and capacity issues, and effects on network fluidity.  [Click for full press release]

 

Patrick J. Fuchs Designated Vice Chairman of Surface Transportation Board

01/30/2019 (Wednesday)
No. 19-2
Contact:  Janie Sheng (202) 245-0238

The Surface Transportation Board announced today that Board member Patrick J. Fuchs has been designated as the agency’s Vice Chairman.  Mr. Fuchs was sworn in as a Board member on January 17, 2019.  [Click for full press release]

 

Patrick J. Fuchs and Martin Oberman Sworn in as New Members of the Surface Transportation Board

01/29/2019 (Tuesday)
No. 19-1
Contact: Janie Sheng (202) 245-0238

Chairman Ann Begeman announced the swearing in of Mr. Patrick J. Fuchs on January 17, 2019, and of Mr. Martin J. Oberman on January 22, 2019, as Members of the Board following confirmation by the United States Senate on January 2, 2019.  [Click for full press release]


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