California Northern Rails: Lease Update Keeps Goods Grooving
Published Date: 4/30/2025
Notice
Summary
California Northern Railroad Company is extending and updating its lease to keep running trains on about 183 miles of track in Northern California, previously leased from Union Pacific. This means CFNR will continue operating key rail lines with a fresh agreement, keeping goods moving smoothly without big changes to costs or timing. The deal also includes a promise to keep swapping freight with Union Pacific, making sure the rail network stays connected and efficient.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
CFNR Continues Operating 183 Miles
CFNR will remain the operator under an amended lease covering about 183 route miles in Northern California (including the Schellville, Napa, Vallejo, West Valley, Hamilton, and Los Banos branches, plus two industrial leads). The amended lease includes an interchange commitment that affects interchange with Union Pacific (and potentially other carriers), preserving the existing rail connections on those lines.
Shortened Labor Notice Request
CFNR requested that the Board waive the regulatory requirement to give at least 60 days' advance labor notice so the exemption can become effective 30 days after CFNR filed its verified notice (April 14, 2025 filing date). If the waiver is granted, employees and unions on the affected lines would receive a shorter advance notice period than the 60 days described in federal rules.
Over $5M Revenue Triggers 60-Day Posting Rule
CFNR certifies that its current revenues exceed $5,000,000. Under 49 CFR 1150.42(e), that revenue level generally requires the carrier to post a notice at workplaces and serve national union offices at least 60 days before the exemption would become effective.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20783, First Student, Inc.-Acquisition of Control-Autumn Transportation Inc. and Ambassador Wheelchair Services, Inc.
First Student, Inc. wants to take control of Autumn Transportation Inc. and Ambassador Wheelchair Services, Inc. by buying all their shares. The Surface Transportation Board is giving a thumbs-up to this deal, but people have until November 23, 2026, to share any concerns. If no one objects, the deal will go through on November 24, 2026, potentially changing how these transportation services operate.
2026-20455, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval: Petitions for Declaratory Order and Petitions for Relief Not Otherwise Specified
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep collecting info from folks like shippers, railroads, and communities who ask for official decisions to clear up disputes. They’re asking for your thoughts by December 7, 2026, to make sure the process stays smooth and useful. This won’t cost extra money but helps keep things clear and fair for everyone involved.
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.
2026-20205, Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP, LLC, et al.-Control Exemption-Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad Company
Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP and its affiliates are taking control of the Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad, a freight railroad running about 160 miles in Illinois and Indiana. This change means Pinsly Holdco and Pinsly Railroad Company will now own and operate KBSR, which was previously controlled by the Stroo Family. The deal, agreed on September 16, 2026, expands Macquarie’s rail network without any immediate cost changes announced.
2026-20206, Union Pacific Railroad Company-Discontinuance of Service Exemption-in San Bernardino County, Cal.
Union Pacific Railroad is stopping freight service on a 2.76-mile stretch of track in Rialto, San Bernardino County, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local businesses and residents in zip code 92376 but won’t disrupt other rail traffic. The service stop will take effect November 1, 2026, unless someone steps in to keep it running or files a complaint by early October.
2026-19711, CSX Transportation, Inc.-Abandonment Exemption-in Hamilton County, Ohio
CSX Transportation is planning to stop using about 2 miles of railroad track in Hamilton County, Ohio, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local businesses and workers, but any employees impacted will get special protections. If no one steps up to save the line by October 8, 2026, the closure will go ahead on October 28, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-07416, Willamette & Pacific Railroad, Inc.-Lease and Operation Exemption Including Interchange Commitment-Union Pacific Railroad Company
Willamette & Pacific Railroad is extending and updating its lease to keep running freight trains on about 161 miles of track in Oregon, originally leased from Union Pacific’s predecessor. This means WPRR stays in charge, with no big changes to service or costs announced. The lease update was officially filed on April 14, 2025, keeping the wheels turning smoothly for local rail freight.
Next: 2025-07418, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Roseland School District, Santa Rosa, CA
The Roseland School District in Santa Rosa, CA, plans to return important Native American cultural items to the right tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. This move respects their heritage and follows the law protecting these sacred objects. The repatriation will happen soon, ensuring these treasures go back where they belong without any cost to the tribes.