SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

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).

On December 29, 2022, Foster Farms filed a petition for emergency service with the Board as a result of continued deterioration in rail service from UP.  After reviewing the filings by both parties, the Board issued a decision ordering UP to deliver specific train sets of animal feed to Foster Farms on the time schedule specified by UP in order to avert a potential significant loss of livestock in California.  The Board also requires UP to provide a status update to the Board by January 3, 2023, and to inform the Board and Foster Farms in writing of any need to deviate from its proposed schedules.

Previously, because of similar service issues affecting Foster Farms, the Board issued an emergency service order on June 17, 2022 directing UP to adhere to specific service commitments and report regularly to the Board during this period.  On July 1, 2022, the Board extended the emergency service oversight period through July 17, 2022, and on July 20, 2022, the Board determined that the docket would be left open through January 20, 2023, in the event that further action is necessary.

The Board’s decision in Foster Poultry Farms—Ex Parte Petition for Emergency Service Order, STB Docket No. FD 36609, may be viewed and downloaded here.

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