Smoky Ridge Railroad Takes Over Tennessee Tracks in Quiet Deal

2026-06467 — Stillwater Central Railroad, L.L.C.-Lease and Operation Exemption-Hollis & Eastern Railroad, L.L.C.

Stillwater Central Railroad is renewing its lease to run trains on a 14-mile track between Duke and Altus, Oklahoma, with updated terms from Hollis & Eastern Railroad. They expect to make over $5 million a year but are asking to skip a usual 60-day employee notice. The final approval and start date will be decided soon, with a deadline for challenges on April 10, 2026.

2026-06455 — Thomas L. Hey and James A. Hey-Acquisition of Control-Minnesota Motor Bus, Inc.

Back in 2010, Thomas and James Hey took control of Minnesota Motor Bus without getting official permission. Now, in 2026, they’re fixing that by asking for approval after the fact. If no one objects by May 18, this approval will become final, letting them keep running things smoothly without any money or timing troubles.

2026-06555 — Railroad Cost Recovery Procedures-Productivity Adjustment

The Surface Transportation Board says railroads got 1.5% more productive each year from 2020 to 2024. This new number helps decide how much railroads can raise their rates to cover costs. Railroads, shippers, and anyone watching prices should note that this change kicks in April 18, 2026, unless someone spots a mistake and files a comment by April 15.

2026-06331 — TransloadX Railroad Company, Inc.-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-CSX Transportation, Inc.

TransloadX Railroad Company is set to lease and run two railroad lines from CSX Transportation in Maine, covering about 37 miles. Starting April 16, 2026, TransloadX will take over operations and serve local customers, aiming to keep things smooth without big revenue changes. This switch means a fresh, smaller railroad operator stepping in to keep the trains rolling and business growing!

2026-05941 — Buckingham Branch Railroad Company-Discontinuance Exemption-in the City of Virginia Beach and the City of Norfolk, Va.

Buckingham Branch Railroad wants to stop running trains on a 4.2-mile track between Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia, because the U.S. Navy is buying nearby land for security reasons. This change mainly affects one local shipper, Gordon Paper, and will happen after the Navy’s purchase is finalized. The railroad says keeping the line open won’t make sense financially or operationally anymore.

2026-05940 — Canonie Atlantic Co.-Abandonment Exemption-in the City of Virginia Beach and the City of Norfolk, Va.; Buckingham Branch Railroad Company-Discontinuance Exemption-in the City of Virginia Beach and the City of Norfolk, Va.

Canonie Atlantic Co. and Buckingham Branch Railroad want to stop using about 2.3 miles of rail track in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia. Canonie Atlantic has owned the track since 1985 but never ran trains on it, while Buckingham Branch has operated it since 2018. This change means the rail line will be abandoned and service discontinued soon, affecting local rail operations and possibly shifting some freight to trucks.

Previous: 2026-00123 — Notice of Public Meetings of the Ohio Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

The Ohio Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is holding three virtual meetings to review and vote on their draft report about antisemitism. Anyone interested can join these Zoom meetings in February, March, and April 2026 to listen or share their thoughts. These meetings don’t cost anything but might use your phone minutes if you call in.

Next: 2026-00125 — Watco Holdings, Inc.-Continuance in Control Exemption-Smoky Ridge Railroad, L.L.C.

Watco Holdings is keeping control of Smoky Ridge Railroad as it becomes a new Class III rail carrier in Tennessee. This move lets Smoky Ridge operate about 13.7 miles of track without needing extra government approval. The change kicks in on January 22, 2026, and includes protections for railroad workers, with no big money changes announced.