Trains Get 1.5% Smarter: Rail Rates Climb with Productivity Boost
Published Date: 4/3/2026
Notice
Summary
The Surface Transportation Board says railroads got 1.5% more productive each year from 2020 to 2024. This new number helps decide how much railroads can raise their rates to cover costs. Railroads, shippers, and anyone watching prices should note that this change kicks in April 18, 2026, unless someone spots a mistake and files a comment by April 15.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
1.5% Railroad Productivity Adjustment
The Surface Transportation Board adopted 1.015 (1.5% per year) as the average change in railroad productivity for the 2020–2024 period. The Board will use this number when deciding how much railroads can raise their rates to cover costs. This change is slated to take effect on April 18, 2026 unless a comment identifying an error is filed by April 15, 2026.
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