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The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Friday announced one vacancy has surfaced on the 19-member Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC), which serves as a forum for the discussion of issues pertaining to rail shippers and railroads.

The board is seeking nominations to fill the vacancy and is accepting suggestions of candidates until March 25.

The U.S. transportation secretary and three STB members serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the RSTAC, which was established in 1995 to provide advice on regulatory, policy and legislative matters. The other 15 members, nine of which are voting members, are appointed by the chairman. Committee members serve three-year terms.

Nine members are appointed from among senior executive officers of organizations engaged in the railroad and rail shipping industries. At least four of the voting members must be representatives of small shippers as determined by the chairman, and at least four must be representatives of Class II or III railroads. The remaining six members — three representing Class Is and three representing large shipper organizations — serve in a non-voting, advisory capacity, but are entitled to participate in RSTAC deliberations.

Currently, Pinsly Railroad Co. President John Levine chairs the committee, while Holcim (US) Inc. Manager of Rail Services Tom Giovianzzi serves as vice chairman/treasurer, and U.S. Magnesium L.L.C. Vice President of Chemicals and Byproducts Howard Kaplan is secretary.