STB Approves Q2 2026 Rail Cost Adjustment Factor

Regs.gov: Surface Transportation Board

Published April 1st, 2026

Detected March 25th, 2026

Summary

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has approved the second quarter 2026 Rail Cost Adjustment Factor (RCAF) and cost index submitted by the Association of American Railroads. The updated RCAF figures will take effect on April 1, 2026, impacting rail cost calculations.

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What changed

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has officially approved the Rail Cost Adjustment Factor (RCAF) and associated cost index for the second quarter of 2026, as filed by the Association of American Railroads. This approval includes specific index values: the Unadjusted RCAF is 1.016, the Adjusted RCAF is 0.388, and the RCAF-5 is 0.368. These figures are mandated by law to be published quarterly and represent changes in railroad costs.

These updated RCAF figures are effective April 1, 2026, and will be used in rail cost calculations. Regulated entities, primarily railroads and shippers, should note these new indices for any cost-related filings or adjustments occurring from the effective date onwards. The STB requires this regular publication to ensure transparency and accuracy in railroad cost adjustments.

What to do next

Update rail cost calculations with the Q2 2026 RCAF values (Unadjusted: 1.016, Adjusted: 0.388, RCAF-5: 0.368) effective April 1, 2026.

Source document (simplified)

Content

ACTION:

Approval of rail cost adjustment factor.

SUMMARY:

The Surface Transportation Board has adopted the second quarter 2026 Rail Cost Adjustment Factor and cost index filed by the
Association of American Railroads.

DATES:

Applicability Date: April 1, 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 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. Additional information is contained in the Board's decision, which is available
at www.stb.gov.

Decided: March 19, 2026. By the Board, Board Members Fuchs, Hedlund, and Schultz.

Kenyatta Clay, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2026-05691 Filed 3-23-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P