STB Chair Warns of US Freight Rail Service Crisis

STB Chair Warns of US Freight Rail Service Crisis

Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Martin Oberman strongly criticized the “collapse” of US freight rail service and labor shortages at the RailTrends conference. He pointed out that railroad companies have significantly reduced staff in pursuit of profits, leading to train delays, embargoes, and other problems, causing significant losses to the US economy. Oberman argued that these actions prioritize profits over service. He called for strengthened regulation, increased investment, and encouragement of innovation to reshape the future of US freight rail. He emphasized the need for railroads to prioritize service and reliability alongside financial performance.

US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the comment deadline for its “Reciprocal Switching” proposal, which aims to provide poorly served freight rail shippers with the option to access other rail carriers. The new proposal establishes three key performance standards: service reliability, consistency, and local service. It also requires Class I railroads to provide historical data on service metrics. Industry response to the proposal has been mixed, but there's general agreement that it's intended to improve the quality of rail service.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Union Pacific Faces STB Scrutiny Amid Lean Strategy Challenges

Union Pacific Faces STB Scrutiny Amid Lean Strategy Challenges

Union Pacific Railroad (UP) plans to implement "Unified Plan 2020," introducing the concept of "Precision Scheduled Railroading" (PSR). The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has expressed concerns, urging UP to learn from CSX's experiences and avoid service disruptions. UP has pledged to proceed with the transformation steadily, aiming to improve efficiency and service levels. This transition is crucial for the future of the rail transport industry, and careful management is essential to prevent negative impacts on shippers and the supply chain.

Chicago Rail Bypass Hits Snag Over STB Data Request

Chicago Rail Bypass Hits Snag Over STB Data Request

The Chicago rail bypass project aims to alleviate congestion but faces STB scrutiny and opposition. Concerns are raised about its efficiency and economic benefits, highlighting the need for rail infrastructure modernization. The project's potential to improve logistics efficiency and address existing infrastructure challenges within the rail transport sector is being carefully evaluated. The outcome will likely influence future rail infrastructure development strategies.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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STB Rejects Union Pacificnorfolk Southern Merger Over Incomplete Filing

STB Rejects Union Pacificnorfolk Southern Merger Over Incomplete Filing

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) rejected the proposed $850 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, citing an incomplete application. The primary reason was the lack of a comprehensive analysis of the merged entity's market share impact and a complete merger agreement. While the STB allowed for a revised application, competitors have voiced concerns regarding transparency and potential competitive harm. This adds uncertainty to what has been called the railroad industry's "merger of the century."

01/28/2026 Logistics
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