Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) Sends Letter to President Trump
Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) Sends Letter to President Trump: “New appointees to the STB should have an understanding of the challenges shippers face and seek to ensure balance in the regulatory environment so that freight rail service can be efficient and reliable and rates can be competitive.”
You and I both know access to efficient and cost-effective freight rail transportation is essential to our “Made in America” economy.
But in Wisconsin and across the nation, lack of competition for rail services has dramatically increased the power of railroads over shippers. Rapid increases in freight rail rates have far outpaced increases in other means of moving freight. And too often, I have heard from shippers experiencing service and reliability problems.
That is why I’m urging the President to take into consideration the challenges shippers face when making new nominations to the Surface Transportation Board (STB).
>>> Read my letter outlining the need for balanced oversight that works for shippers and our economy
Those appointed to the Surface Transportation Board play a key role in ensuring the freight rail system works for rail companies, shippers and the businesses that rely on them. The STB also has broad statutory authority to resolve disputes between railroad companies and shippers, require reasonable service standards and address noncompetitive rates.
>>> See why the Freight Rail Customer Alliance and Rail Customer Coalition also agree balanced oversight is a win for all Americans
New appointees to the STB should have an understanding of the challenges shippers face and seek to ensure balance in the regulatory environment so that freight rail service can be efficient and reliable and rates can be competitive.
I will continue calling upon the new Administration to nominate members to the Board who meet these qualifications so our shippers can truly compete in the global marketplace and grow our ‘Made in America’ economy.
Tammy Baldwin
U.S. Senator for Wisconsin
