ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US — The final rules on reciprocal switching for inadequate service published on April 30 will inform and incentivize US railroad performance, said the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA).

The rules give shippers and receivers captive to a single Class I railroad the chance to use Surface Transportation Board-directed arrangements to switch to an alternative carrier. A switch is allowed if the carrier’s service falls below performance thresholds by the STB in reliability in time of arrival, consistency in transit time and reliability in providing first-mile and last-mile service.

NGFA said it is committed to working with the STB and railroads to improve the performance and efficiency of the rail network.

“Principally, NGFA members urge STB to take other actions to achieve the service improvements the board seeks to encourage, including finalizing the petition for rules that govern rail carriers’ use of private railcars,” said Mike Seyfert, NGFA president and chief executive officer. “This petition would establish financial incentives for efficiently using railcars owned or leased by shippers. Finalizing private railcar use regulations would build on the progress made by the board’s publication in January of final emergency service rules enabling the board to order temporary relief in emergencies more quickly and effectively.

“We look forward to furthering our collaboration with the STB and fostering strong, cooperative partnerships with the rail carriers.”

NGFA submitted opening comments to STB on the reciprocal switching proposed rule on Nov. 7, 2023, and submitted reply comments on Dec. 6, 2023.