Railroads Get a Price Tweak: Bureaucracy Rolls On
Published Date: 3/24/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting April 1, 2026, the Surface Transportation Board is rolling out the new rail cost adjustment factors for the second quarter, which help track how much it costs railroads to operate. This update affects the biggest rail companies and can influence shipping prices and contracts. The numbers show slight cost changes, keeping the rail industry’s pricing fair and up-to-date.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Quarterly Rail Cost Index Updated
Starting April 1, 2026, the Surface Transportation Board adopted new rail cost adjustment factor (RCAF) numbers for the second quarter of 2026. The RCAF (Unadjusted) is 1.016, the RCAF (Adjusted) is 0.388, and the RCAF-5 is 0.368. If you run a business that ships by rail or buy goods moved by the biggest rail companies, these index numbers can influence shipping prices and contract adjustments.
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
2026-17004, Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Vacancies
The Surface Transportation Board is looking to fill two open spots on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee—one for biofuel experts and one for coal producers. If you or someone you know fits the bill, nominations are due by September 17, 2026. This is a great chance to help shape how energy moves by rail, with no cost to apply and a voice in important transportation decisions.
2026-16620, Regulatory Agenda
The Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) is publishing the Regulatory Flexibility Agenda.
2026-16276, Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad, Inc.-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-State of South Dakota
2026-16109, Release of Waybill Data
2026-16128, Town of Gloster, Miss.-Acquisition Exemption-Line of Gloster Southern Railroad Company, LLC
2026-14758, Colby Nitterhouse-Continuance in Control Exemption-NPJ Rail, LLC; PNGT Rail, LLC; and WCN Rail, LLC
Colby Nitterhouse, who doesn’t currently control any railroads, is set to take charge of three small rail companies: NPJ Rail, PNGT Rail, and WCN Rail. This move lets Nitterhouse keep control as these companies become official Class III rail carriers. The paperwork was updated recently, and no big money changes or delays are expected.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05690, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The Department of Energy is bringing back a system called ARMS to keep track of people and gear ready to respond to nuclear emergencies. This affects workers and equipment involved in national safety and kicks in after April 23, 2026, unless public feedback says otherwise. No new costs are mentioned, but it helps the government stay prepared and quick in emergencies.
Next: 2026-05692, Accrediting Agencies Currently Undergoing Review for the Purpose of Recognition by the U.S. Secretary of Education
The U.S. Department of Education is reviewing several accrediting agencies that help schools stay top-notch. They want your written comments by 30 days after this notice to decide if these agencies keep their official recognition or expand their roles. This affects students, schools, and agencies nationwide and could impact how programs are approved and funded starting in 2027.