Sens. Thune, Rockefeller introduce legislation aimed at giving STB more power

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-SD) and John Rockefeller IV (D-WV) introduced the STB Reauthorization Act of 2014, which the senators said is expected to increase efficiency of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) by changing internal processes and increasing timeliness of STB decisions to improve U.S. rail service.

 

“While the STB has made good faith efforts to address concerns of freight shippers and railroads, the current inefficiencies in the STB’s operations are symptomatic of the need for common-sense reform,” said Sen. Thune. “The modest bill that Chairman Rockefeller and I are introducing addresses many of the key inefficiencies and time delays I hear about from shippers by reforming the case review process. With additional reforms, the STB can better assist shippers and railroads alike, helping to ensure rail service problems are addressed in a balanced and timely manner.”

The bill would expand the STB board membership from three to five members, eliminate the holdover limitation and allow for limited board meetings without initial public meeting notice, but with later public disclosure. The bill would also allow the board to initiate some investigations, not just respond to complaints, and would require the STB to establish a database of complaints and prepare quarterly reports on them.

The bill would also change the case review process by requiring the board to establish timelines for stand-alone rate cases and a report on rate case methodology. The bill would require a proceeding on the impact of contract bundling on shippers and would codify an arbitration process for certain rate disputes and carrier complaints.

 

 

 

Tags: