STB looks for railroad-shipper advisory applicants

   The U.S. Surface Transportation Board is looking to fill two vacancies in its Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council that came open due to the unanticipated resignations of two members.
   Nominations will be taken through July 31 for a large shipper member and an at-large representative. Once elected, the new members will serve three-year terms with a two-term limit.
   The 19-member council advises the STB and relevant lawmakers on significant rail policy issues, with a focus on small shippers and small railroads. Important lobbying topics include rates, competition, claim-addressing procedures and car supply. Every year, the council prepares a report covering its activities and recommending appropriate legislation. The organization is required to meet semi-annually, but has been holding four annual meetings in recent years.
   The STB chairman appoints 15 of the council’s members from a pool of senior executives at relevant rail and shipping firms; the remaining four non-voting members include the secretary of transportation and STB board members. Four members must hail from Class II or III railroads, and four must work as small shippers.
   Nominations can be submitted via the board’s Website, or to Surface Transportation Board, Attn: Docket No. EP 526 (Sub-No. 5), 395 E Street, S.W., Washington, DC,  20423-0001. – Jon Ross