STB's Oberman to Class Is: Are you ready to meet demand?

Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Martin Oberman yesterday asked all Class Is to provide an update on their preparedness to meet service demand as the nation continues to recovery economically from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a May 27 letter sent to Class I chief executives, Oberman expressed concern that recent rail service problems — as reported by some shippers — might relate to a broader trend of rail labor reductions over the past several years, in addition to the furloughs and quarantines brought about by the pandemic.

Oberman also asked the CEOs to provide information about the sufficiency of operating personnel and railroad equipment availability going forward, as well as longer-term expectations for hiring.

"The freight-rail industry has performed admirably during the COVID-19 pandemic and, as the nation’s economy recovers, I want to be fully informed as to the Class I railroads’ preparedness to meet forecasted demand, including the railroads having the necessary labor and equipment resources in place to provide safe, reliable and efficient service to customers," Oberman wrote.

The chairman also acknowledged that the pandemic significantly disrupted rail operations. He commended the Class Is for their communication with the board and stakeholders during the past year.

Oberman's correspondence to the Class I execs is accessible via this link.