Farmer groups and ag retailers are supporting federal legislation designed to improve rail service. The Support Reliable Rail Service Act would clarify the common carrier obligations of the railroads and give the Surface Transportation Board more specific oversight rules to improve rail service.
Mike Seyfert is President and CEO of the National Grain and Feed Association and supports the bill. “From our shipper-receiver standpoint, it’s to get a definition with teeth and so that when there are issues, say like what we were having back in 2022, particularly in the spring, early summer, that our shippers and receivers know what the rules are, the definitions are that the railroads have an obligation to meet.”
Seyfert says rail shipping is not as difficult as it was a little over a year ago, but the bill would be helpful if overall grain demand rises again.
Ag group supports updating railroad legislation
