Arkansas Railroad Keeps Chugging on Leased Tracks
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Notice
Summary
Arkansas Midland Railroad Company (AKMD) is extending its lease to keep running about 58 miles of rail lines from Union Pacific Railroad (UP). This means AKMD will continue operating these tracks with some updated terms, keeping trains rolling smoothly in Arkansas. No big changes in money or service are expected, just a longer partnership to keep things on track.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Labor Notice Waiver Seeks Shorter Employee Notice
AKMD says its projected annual revenues exceed $5 million, which normally triggers a 60-day advance labor notice to employees and unions before an exemption becomes effective. AKMD has requested a waiver to shorten that requirement so the exemption could take effect 30 days after filing instead of 60 days.
Lease Extended — Rail Service Continues
AKMD will continue to lease and operate about 57.6 miles of rail lines in Arkansas (specific segments listed between multiple Union Pacific mileposts). If you are a business owner or shipper in Arkansas, this rule means the same short-line railroad operator will keep running those tracks under an amended lease.
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