Rail Shippers Group Backs Two for STB, Pushes For Reciprocal Switching

A group of two dozen industrial shippers wrote to President Donald Trump to suggest that he should appoint Patrick Fuchs to the Surface Transportation Board and remove the “acting” title for Chairwoman Ann Begeman.

Fuchs, who works on the Senate Commerce Committee for Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.), helped draft the STB Reauthorization Act of 2015.

“Our members support Mr. Fuchs’ nomination because he is the most qualified person under consideration for the STB and a terrific candidate for carrying out your mission to remove regulatory barriers and promote growth here in the U.S. His deep understanding of the transportation issues facing both the railroads and their customers would be a tremendous asset for the STB,” the letter states.

In reference to Begeman, the group said she’s an impartial voice, urging lawmakers not to appoint railroad industry veterans to chair the board.

The group, which consists of customers of the Class I railroads, also made another pitch for reciprocal switching, which would force a single-serving railroad to move a second carrier’s freight cars to the customer to create competition. If approved, it would reverse a 1985 regulatory decision supported by the railroads.

“To be successful, the STB must eliminate outdated rules and overly bureaucratic procedures that shield the rail industry from competition and impede growth in the U.S. Many shippers — from factories to farms — are captive to a single railroad, and the STB has been ineffective in addressing widespread complaints about unreasonable rates and poor service,” the group wrote.