The Surface Transportation Board issued a new reciprocal switching rule on Thursday that would entitle shippers to request relief from a nearby railroad if their existing carrier is not meeting minimum service standards. Under the notice of proposed rulemaking, the railroad regulator would use three metrics to prescribe reciprocal switching agreements between Class I railroads: service reliability, service consistency and whether there is inadequate local service. The proposed rule replaces a previous proposal issued in 2016, which generated significant support from shippers and opposition from rail carriers in public comments, according to the STB. Comments on the latest rule are due by Oct. 23, and replies must be submitted by Nov. 21.  Read More  Read Even More  Read STB Release

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