Railroad Productivity Adjustment for 2020-2024 Period
Summary
The Surface Transportation Board adopted 1.015 (1.5% per year) as the measure of average change in railroad productivity for the 2020-2024 five-year period. This productivity factor is used in railroad rate calculations under 49 U.S.C. 10708. The Board's decision, served March 31, 2026, will take effect April 18, 2026 unless postponed.
What changed
The STB calculated the average geometric mean change in railroad productivity for the 2020-2024 period at 1.015, representing a 1.5% annual productivity increase. This adjustment affects how railroad rates are calculated and adjusted. The calculation methodology was detailed in a decision served March 31, 2026, with the authority cited as 49 U.S.C. 10708. The docket number is EP 290 (Sub-No. 4).
Railroads and shippers should review the Board's calculation for any data or computational errors and file comments by April 15, 2026 if issues are identified. The decision will take effect on April 18, 2026. No further action is required if parties agree with the calculation.
What to do next
- Review the productivity adjustment calculation for data or computational errors
- File comments by April 15, 2026 if discrepancies are identified
- Apply the 1.015 productivity factor in rate calculations after April 18, 2026
Source document (simplified)
Content
ACTION:
Presentation of the Board's calculation for the change in railroad productivity for the 2020-2024 averaging period.
SUMMARY:
In a decision served on March 31, 2026, the Board proposed to adopt 1.015 (1.5% per year) as the measure of average (geometric
mean) change in railroad productivity for the 2020-2024 (five-year) period. The Board's March 31, 2026 decision stated that
comments may be filed addressing any perceived data and computational errors in the Board's calculation. The decision also
stated that, unless a further order is issued postponing the effective date, the decision will take effect on April 18, 2026.
DATES:
Comments are due by April 15, 2026.
ADDRESSES:
Comments may be filed via e-filing on the Board's website at www.stb.gov. Comments must be served on all parties appearing on the service list.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Pedro Ramirez at (202) 245-0333. If you require accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please call (202)
245-0245.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Additional information is contained in the Board's decision, which is available at www.stb.gov under Docket No. EP 290 (Sub-No. 4).
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 10708.
Decided: March 31, 2026. By the Board, Board Members Fuchs, Hedlund, and Schultz.
Andrea Pope-Matheson, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2026-06555 Filed 4-2-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P
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