Railroad Complaints Stay the Same: STB's Snooze-Fest Extension Notice
Published Date: 2/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep collecting complaint info from shippers, railroads, and communities without changing the current process. They’re asking for your thoughts by April 27, 2026, to make sure the paperwork isn’t too much and still useful. This keeps things fair for those dealing with issues like unfair rates or bad service, with no new costs or extra forms coming your way.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Filing a Complaint Has Large Time and Cost Burden
Filing one complaint takes an estimated 250 hours and an estimated non-hour cost of $1,525. The Board reports an average of 2 complaints per year (2023–2025), yielding an annual total burden of 500 hours and total non-hour costs of $3,050.
Complaint Process Remains Available
If you are a shipper, railroad, or a community seeking redress for alleged violations (like unreasonable rates or poor service), the Surface Transportation Board will continue to accept complaints under 49 CFR part 1111. The Board is requesting public comments by April 27, 2026, while seeking OMB approval to extend the existing collection without change.
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Key Dates
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