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STB Combines Proceedings, General Counsel Offices; Appoints Cooper as Chief Counsel

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has announced that, effective Aug. 1, 2025, it has combined its Office of Proceedings (OP) and Office of the General Counsel (OGC), into one Office…

STB Receives Notice of Intent for Proposed UP-NS Merger

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on July 30 confirmed that it has received a notice of intent regarding a proposed merger that would result in the combination of Union Pacific…
James E. Wolfe. (Photograph courtesy of Wolfe)
Commentary

A Wolfe at STB’s Door. Will He Make Entry?

If you think federal regulatory agencies—even federally owned Amtrak—have strayed from what former Southern Railway and Conrail CEO L. Stanley Crane termed, “stick to your knitting,” you’re not ridin’ the…
Commentary

Getting Closer to a Merger Deal?

Unconfirmed reports over the weekend noted a Class I merger is close. These reports were preceded by actions by the STB that show the agency is preparing to handle a…
(Logo Courtesy of the STB)

Railroad Cost of Capital Set at 10.68% for 2024

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has determined that the cost of capital for the railroad industry, which is calculated each year, was 10.68% for 2024.

STB to Hold Meetings on ‘Improving Competition and Reducing Regulatory Barriers’

Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Patrick Fuchs on July 21 announced that the agency is holding a series of meetings “designed to discuss ideas and opportunities to update the STB’s…
Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad #5260 crossing Elm Ave. Portsmouth, Virginia. At U.S. Norfolk Naval Shipyard.5260 is painted a commemorative scheme as part of the Norfolk Southern, Heritage Program. (David E. George III/Wikimedia Commons)

STB to NS: Proposed NPBL Acquisition Is ‘Significant’ Transaction (UPDATED 7/11)

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on March 14 reported that it will review Norfolk Southern’s (NS) proposal to acquire Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Company (NPBL), a Virginia S&T…
Commentary

‘Consolidation’ Has Resurfaced

FROM THE EDITOR, RAILWAY AGE JULY 2025 ISSUE: Consolidation: “The action or process of making something stronger or more solid,” or, “The action or process of combining a number of…
“Today’s decision closing these regulatory proceedings reflects the agency’s intensive focus on its mission and allocating resources to their highest and best use,” STB Chairman Patrick Fuchs said. “I look forward to continued engagement with shippers, railroads, and the broader public on reforms to advance a competitive, efficient, and sound rail network.” (STB Photograph)

STB Prioritizing Reforms

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on July 10 reported discontinuing proceedings in which it sought comment on proposed modifications to its procedures for annually determining whether Class I railroads are…
(Logo Courtesy of STB)

STB: Nominations Welcome for RSTAC, RETAC

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is seeking nominations to fill vacancies on its Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC) and its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC). The deadline for both…
(Courtesy of the STB)
Commentary

Clean Slate on Switch Rule. Now What?

As the proverb provides, “Be careful for what you wish,” as wishes sometimes deliver unintended consequences. Railroads may have experienced a wishes backfire July 8 when the U.S. 7th Circuit…

STB Affirms Continued Use of KCSR Haulage Rights

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on July 7 announced a decision confirming the Kansas City Southern Railway Company’s (KCSR, now part of Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) with Canadian Pacific…
Commentary

Rail Insights 2025 Takeaways

FINANCIAL EDGE, RAILWAY AGE JULY 2025 ISSUE: At the 11th annual Rail Insights conference, participants from the Class I railroads and government and equipment sectors discussed the industry for the…
(Logos from the respective government agencies)
Commentary

Reregulation Hidden in Shipper Tapestry

WATCHING WASHINGTON, RAILWAY AGE, JULY 2025 ISSUE: What is more delightfully amusing than a paradox—that we park on driveways and drive on parkways; that foul is fair when batted baseballs collide…
(UP Photograph)

STB Denies Metra’s Request for Temporary Injunction

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on July 1 denied a petition for injunctive relief and application for an emergency service order by Metra, which is in dispute with Union Pacific…
Commentary

STB Chairman Patrick Fuchs – RAIL GROUP ON AIR

Drawn from our 2025 Rail Insights conference, this edition of Railway Age’s podcast series features Surface Transportation Board Chair Patrick Fuchs in conversation with Editor-in Chief William C. Vantuono. Now…

STB Case Backlog Clearing Up

The Surface Transportation Board, under the direction of Chairman Patrick Fuchs, continues to clear its docket of case backlogs. The initiative, STB said, is among the agency’s efforts “to promote…
(Logo Courtesy of STB)

STB Sets 2020-2024 ‘Deflator Factors’

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has published the annual deflator factor and inflation-adjusted railroad revenue thresholds for 2024.
(CPKC Photograph)
Commentary

NEPA NIMBYs Gnawed at CPKC (UPDATED, 6/23)

It is eminently logical that if one relocates to a community zoned for heavy industry, they shouldn’t be surprised that a 24/7 distribution hub is constructed near them, bringing with…
(Logo Courtesy of STB)

STB: Rail Cost Adjustment Factor Set for 3Q25

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has adopted for third-quarter 2025 the rail cost adjustment factor (RCAF), which is defined as “an index formulated to represent changes in railroad costs incurred…
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