Baldwin reintroduces shipper 'fairness' bill

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) has reintroduced her legislation known as the Rail Shipper Fairness Act that would, among other measures, require railroads to participate in competitive switching.

The bill aims to "reduce costs and improve service problems faced by a broad coalition of Wisconsin rail shippers, including farmers, manufacturers and utilities," according to a press release issued by Baldwin's office.

The legislation would reform rate case regulations and include provisions to implement competitive switching, which Baldwin has called for in the past. Additionally, the bill would prohibit railroads from charging customers for fuel "in a way that does not correlate with actual fuel costs," the senator's press release stated.

"In order to continue building a strong made-in-Wisconsin economy that is fair to farmers, manufacturers and consumers, we need to give these shippers a seat at the table," said Baldwin.

The legislation is supported by the Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA), National Industrial Transportation League, American Forest and Paper Association, Private Railcar Food and Beverage Association, International Warehouse Logistics Association and the American Chemistry Council.

In addition to implementing competitive switching, the bill "calls upon the General Accountability Office to study and report to Congress on the industry-wide impacts of precision scheduled railroading," said FRCA President Shelley Sahling-Zart.

A summary of the legislation is available here.