STB solicits nominations for advisory council

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) is seeking nominations for candidates to fill a small-shipper vacancy and a Class I vacancy on the board's Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council.

The council focuses on issues of importance to small shippers and small railroads, including rail-car supply, rates, competition and procedures for addressing claims. Though not subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the council is directed by the ICC Termination Act of 1995 to develop develop private-sector mechanisms to identify, address, and prevent obstacles to effective and efficient interstate transportation.

The council is made up of nine voting members who are senior executive officers of railroads and rail shippers. At least four members must be representatives of small shippers, as determined by the STB's chairman, and at least four voting members must be representatives of Class II and III railroads.

There are are six appointed members—three representing Class I railroads and three representing large shipper organizations—that serve in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, but are entitled to participate in RSTAC deliberations.

Nominations may be submitted via the STB's e-filing format or in hard copy format according to instructions and additional RSTAC information provided in the STB's Notice of Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council Vacancies, EP 526 (Sub-No. 8).