Supportive of STB’s rail service changes, NGFA says it’s still not enough

The National Grain and Feed Association says a proposal that could provide immediate relief for the country’s rail service isn’t a silver bullet fix.

Chief Economist Max Fisher says NGFA supports changes to the Surface Transportation Board’s emergency service rules even though there could be minimal impact. “This is only going to apply to an individual rail customer in really bad shape who can’t run their own operation. For example, they may have to start killing animals because they can’t get enough animal feed in.”

The revisions would allow for a company to ask for an alternative rail carrier to ship products in place of their current provider who is unable to produce sufficient rail service. 

He tells Brownfield the proposal needs to be implemented immediately when there is a present threat to the health of livestock and food security.

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