Federal regulators have not renewed a work rule exemption for truck drivers responding to the pandemic, a move supported by ATA and truck safety advocates.
The letter sent by the National Grain and Feed Association to regulators about subpar rail service is finding support among other rail industry stakeholders.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack wants the Surface Transportation Board to move forward with proceedings that would address rail service for grain and agricultural products shippers.
The National Grain and Feed Association is asking the Surface Transportation Board to compel three Class I railroads to provide weekly and annual service updates.
Four shipper associations have asked the Surface Transportation Board to see if demurrage charges can be applied to privately owned railcars to improve the flow of railcars through the network.
A portal to provide agricultural shippers with visibility for their covered hopper cars will help them conform to food safety transportation standards and prevent cross-contact with food allergens.
Rail stakeholders debate the legacy of precision scheduled railroading and the common carrier obligation.
Fertilizer, food packaging, feed products now covered following industry requests.
Proposal providing relief for shippers could be rolled out next year.
Grain shippers say Congress should take a “fresh look” at railroad policy.
