STB to Class Is: Continue reporting demurrage, accessorial fees

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) last week asked all Class Is to continue providing quarterly information about their revenue from demurrage and accessorial charges.

The information was first requested in 2018 and has allowed the STB to closely monitor trends in revenue from demurrage and accessorial charges, which remain important as shippers add volume back to the freight-rail network with the rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, STB officials said in a press release.

"In light of the board's close oversight of Class I railroad rules and practices related to demurrage and accessorial charges, including our policy statement and final rules related to warehouseman liability and minimum requirements for demurrage bills, it is important for us to continue to receive quarterly updates on these revenue streams," STB Chairman Martin Oberman wrote in letters to Class I chief executives.

The letters can be viewed and downloaded from the STB's website here.