STB to Consider Permanent Rail Service Reporting

The Surface Transportation Board said it would consider whether an interim requirement for railroads to file detailed weekly service performance reports in the wake of ongoing freight delays should be made permanent.

The agency announced its intent to begin a formal rulemaking process to study the effectiveness of the interim rail service reports, which were prompted by widespread shipper complaints. STB’s interim step in October told all major North American railroads to submit detailed reports on delays of specific freight and other operating performance.

The interim order followed hearings at its Washington office and in other cities in the wake of a widespread slowdown in both nationwide train speeds and individual shipment handling. Railroads initially began performance reporting in 1999 after a series of post-merger service disruptions.

“The collection of performance data on a weekly basis would allow the board not only to better understand current service issues, but also to more quickly identify and help resolve possible future regional or national service disruptions,” the agency’s statement said. “Transparency would also benefit rail shippers and stakeholders by helping them to better plan operations.”