40 Years of US Rail Data Released to Toronto University
Published Date: 2/12/2025
Notice
Summary
The Surface Transportation Board got a request from the University of Toronto to use railroad shipping data from 1984 to 2022. This data is usually private, so anyone who disagrees has 14 days to speak up. This could affect researchers and companies interested in shipping info, with no direct cost changes announced yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Research access to 1984–2022 waybill data
The University of Toronto requested permission to use the Surface Transportation Board's unmasked Carload Waybill Samples covering 1984 through 2022 (docket WB25-04). Researchers and other parties may gain access to detailed shipping records if the Board grants the request. Interested parties have 14 calendar days from the February 12, 2025 notice to file objections with the Director of the Board's Office of Economics.
Possible release of confidential shipper records
The waybill sample contains confidential railroad and shipper data, and the Board has received a request to release unmasked records from 1984–2022 to the University of Toronto. Parties whose data are included may object; objections must be filed within 14 calendar days of the February 12, 2025 notice with the Director of the Board's Office of Economics.
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Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20456, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval: Classification Index Survey Form
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep using its Classification Index Survey Form, which helps track railroad info. This affects railroad companies that don’t file the big annual report, and they’ll spend about 24 hours a year filling it out. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, with no changes or extra costs planned.
2026-20455, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval: Petitions for Declaratory Order and Petitions for Relief Not Otherwise Specified
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