Pension Fund Grabs Control of Small Washington Railroad
Published Date: 7/30/2025
Notice
Summary
The OPSEU Pension Plan Trust Fund and its partners, Jaguar Transport and Jaguar Rail Holdings, are taking control of Columbia Basin Railroad Company, a small but important railroad in Washington. This move adds to Jaguar’s growing family of 11 railroads across several states, helping them expand their reach. The change is official as of July 2025 and aims to keep trains running smoothly without any big cost changes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
No labor protective conditions apply
Because this transaction involves only Class III rail carriers, the Surface Transportation Board says it may not impose labor protective conditions under 49 U.S.C. 11326(c). That means the Board will not add statutory labor protections for this acquisition.
Jaguar will take control of CBRW
Jaguar Transport Holdings and related entities will acquire control of Columbia Basin Railroad Company, a Class III railroad in Washington. The exemption allowing the transaction takes effect August 13, 2025, when the parties may consummate the deal.
Interchange with other carriers not restricted
Jaguar states the purchase agreement does not include any provision that would limit future interchange of traffic with third-party connecting carriers. That means CBRW's ability to interchange traffic with other rail carriers is not contractually restricted by this deal.
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