STB: NO COMPETITIVE CONCERNS WITH CN-IC MERGER IN SECOND YEAR

STB: NO COMPETITIVE CONCERNS WITH CN-IC MERGER IN SECOND YEAR    The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has found no competitive or other problems in its second annual oversight of the Canadian National-Illinois Central railroad merger.
   In a May 1999 decision, the STB approved the common control and integration of operations of CN and Illinois Central railroads. The STB also created general oversight for up to five years to competition continued within the service of the merger and its alliance agreement with the Kansas City Southern Railway Co. In March 2000, the STB began requiring CN to file an annual progress report of the merger.
   Two reports have since been filed with the agency in November 2000 and July 2001. No anticompetitive problems for shippers were found. Since this is the case, the STB is considering to cease its general oversight of the CN-IC merger. The agency said it will continue to monitor the “long-term implications” of the merger.