Transportation

STB Rejects Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger Application as Incomplete

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has rejected the major merger application filed by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern due to incompleteness. The application lacked required system impact analyses and the full merger agreement, leading to its rejection without prejudice for refiling.

STB Final Environmental Assessment for Mesa Rail Line

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has issued a Final Environmental Assessment (Final EA) for Union Pacific Railroad Company's proposed new rail line in Mesa, Arizona. This completes the STB's environmental review for the project.

STB Chairman Updates on Outstanding Proceedings

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs provided updates on several outstanding proceedings, including railroad abandonment applications, environmental regulations, and rulemaking petitions. Decisions on these matters are expected in February 2026.

STB Suspends Operations Due to Government Shutdown

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has suspended operations due to a lapse in federal appropriations. During the shutdown, the STB will not process filings, issue decisions, or conduct hearings, and all submission deadlines will be tolled.

STB Proposes Repealing Regulations to Boost Rail Competition

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has proposed repealing regulations governing reciprocal switching, through routes, and through rates (49 C.F.R. Part 1144). This action aims to reduce regulatory barriers and promote competition in the freight rail industry by allowing for a case-by-case approach to competitive access prescriptions.

FMCSA Seeks Drivers for Hours-of-Service Pilot Program Testing

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is seeking 18 truck drivers to participate in a six-week pilot program to test upcoming hours-of-service flexibility options. This pre-testing phase aims to refine study plans and data collection tools before a broader rollout.

FMCSA Warns Against Selling, Buying, or Leasing USDOT/MC Numbers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a warning that selling, buying, or leasing USDOT or MC numbers outside of legitimate corporate transactions is prohibited. The agency will inactivate USDOT numbers and revoke registrations if this practice is discovered.

FMCSA Removes Fourteen Devices from Registered ELD List

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has removed fourteen electronic logging devices (ELDs) from its registered list due to failure to meet minimum requirements. Motor carriers must replace these devices within 60 days.

FMCSA Removes Nine Devices from Registered ELD List

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has removed nine electronic logging devices (ELDs) from its registered list due to non-compliance with federal requirements. Motor carriers using these devices have 60 days to replace them with compliant alternatives.

NHTSA Urgent Warning: Dangerous Chinese Air Bag Inflators Linked to Deaths

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued an urgent warning regarding substandard Chinese air bag inflators linked to two recent deaths, bringing the total to eight. The agency is investigating these parts, likely illegally imported, and urges owners of used vehicles, especially those with salvage titles, to have them inspected immediately.