Small Railroads Stay Under Cartage Control in Quick Exemption Deal
Published Date: 4/24/2026
Notice
Summary
L. Neill Cartage Co., Inc. is keeping control of two small railroads, Proviso Railroad and Mason Railroad, as they become official Class III rail carriers. These railroads will take over short tracks in Illinois, and the deal can start as soon as May 9, 2026. No big money changes or employee protections are involved since these are small rail lines, making the process quick and simple.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
No Labor Protections for Class III‑Only Transaction
Because the proposed transactions involve only Class III rail carriers, the Board states it may not impose labor protective conditions under 49 U.S.C. 11326(c). That means employees of Proviso Railroad and Mason Railroad will not receive labor protection conditions tied to these transactions.
Cartage Continues Control of Two Class III Railroads
L. Neill Cartage Co., Inc. may continue in control of Proviso Railroad, Inc. (PRR) and Mason Railroad, Inc. (MRR) when they become Class III rail carriers under the exemption at 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(2). PRR seeks to acquire about 712.5 feet of track in Berkeley, Illinois, and MRR seeks to acquire about 665 feet of track in Bedford Park, Illinois. The exemption takes effect May 9, 2026 (Cartage's verified notice filing date is deemed April 9, 2026).
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