Rail Cost Adjustment Factor Q2 2026
Summary
The Surface Transportation Board adopted revised Rail Cost Adjustment Factor figures for the second quarter of 2026, as computed and submitted by the Association of American Railroads. The approved figures are: RCAF (Unadjusted) 1.016, RCAF (Adjusted) 0.388, and RCAF-5 0.368. The decision supersedes the prior decision served in this docket on March 20, 2026. These figures represent changes in railroad costs over a specified period and are used in rate proceedings.
“The Surface Transportation Board has adopted the revised second quarter 2026 Rail Cost Adjustment Factor and cost index filed by the Association of American Railroads.”
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What changed
The Surface Transportation Board approved revised Rail Cost Adjustment Factor figures for the second quarter of 2026, as submitted by the Association of American Railroads. The Board is required by 49 U.S.C. 10708 to publish the RCAF on at least a quarterly basis. Three RCAF values were adopted: Unadjusted (1.016), Adjusted (0.388), and RCAF-5 (0.368). This decision supersedes the prior RCAF determination served March 20, 2026.
Freight railroads and shippers who monitor rate cases should note the updated cost index figures for use in benchmarking and rate calculations. The RCAF is an industry cost indicator used to assess changes in railroad operating costs over time and does not independently impose new compliance obligations.
Archived snapshot
Apr 25, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Content
ACTION:
Approval of rail cost adjustment factor.
SUMMARY:
The Surface Transportation Board has adopted the revised second quarter 2026 Rail Cost Adjustment Factor and cost index filed
by the Association of American Railroads.
DATES:
Applicability Date: April 24, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Laura Schneider, (202) 915-1029. If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please call (202)
245-0245.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The rail cost adjustment factor (RCAF) is an index formulated to represent changes in railroad costs incurred by the nation's
largest railroads over a specified period of time. The Surface Transportation Board (Board) is required by law to publish
the RCAF on at least a quarterly basis. Each quarter, the Association of American Railroads computes three types of RCAF figures
and submits those figures to the Board for approval. The Board has reviewed the revised submission and adopts the RCAF figures
for the second quarter of 2026. The second quarter 2026 RCAF (Unadjusted) is 1.016. The second quarter 2026 RCAF (Adjusted)
is 0.388. The second quarter 2026 RCAF-5 is 0.368. This decision supersedes the decision served in this docket on March 20,
2026. Additional information is contained in the Board's decision, which is available at www.stb.gov.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 10708.
Decided: April 21, 2026. By the Board, Board Members Fuchs, Hedlund, and Schultz.
Regena Smith-Bernard, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2026-08028 Filed 4-23-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P
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