Board Seeks Renewal of Rail and Water Carrier Filings
Published Date: 6/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep collecting info about rail and water carrier liens, water carrier tariffs, and agricultural contract summaries—just like they’ve been doing, with no changes. This affects big railroads and water carriers who file these records, and they’re asking for your thoughts by August 11, 2026. No new fees or extra paperwork, just a smooth extension to keep things running.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Rail Agricultural Contract Filings Continue
Railroads must keep filing summaries of nonconfidential agricultural contracts under 49 U.S.C. 10709(d). About 8 respondents (including six Class I railroads) file an average of 153 agricultural contract summaries per year; each filing is estimated at 0.25 hours for a total annual burden of 38.25 hours.
Lien Recordations Continue; State Filings Avoided
Parties holding liens on rail equipment or water carrier vessels must continue filing recordations with the Surface Transportation Board under 49 U.S.C. 11301 and 49 CFR part 1177. About 90 respondents file an average of 1,120 recordation responses per year; each response is estimated at 0.25 hours for a total annual burden of 280 hours. The Board states that STB recordation obviates the need to record liens in individual States.
Water Carrier Tariff Annual Certification Required
Water carriers that provide freight transportation in noncontiguous domestic trade (shipments to or from Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories) must continue to file an annual certification with the Board that lists a website address containing current and historical tariffs, including prices and fees, under 49 U.S.C. 13702(b) and 49 CFR part 1312. The Board estimates about 20 respondents, with 24 annual filings and a total annual burden of 84 hours (24 filings x 3.5 hours each).
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Key Dates
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11900, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval of Collection: Dispute Resolution Procedures Under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep using its dispute resolution process under the FAST Act, which helps people settle transportation disagreements without big hassles. They’re asking for public comments by August 11, 2026, to make sure the process stays clear and easy to use. This extension won’t cost extra or change how often it’s used—just a smooth continuation for anyone involved in transportation disputes.
Next: 2026-11902, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval of Collection: Arbitration “Opt-In” Notices
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep collecting Arbitration “Opt-In” Notices from rail companies, which lets them join a special arbitration program. This extension won’t change anything or cost money, and only one rail carrier is involved. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until August 11, 2026, to speak up!