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Last week, the Surface Transportation Board rescheduled due dates for comments and rebuttal statements regarding TTX Co.'s application to extend its flat-car pooling authority for 15 years. The board now will accept comments and rebuttals until April 12 and May 12 instead of March 22 and April 21, respectively.

The U.S. Department of Defense, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, and National Industrial Transportation League recently filed petitions asking STB to extend the comment period.

In January, TTX and its 10 owner railroads filed an application with STB to extend TTX's flat-car pooling authority until 2019. In 1974, board predecessor the Interstate Commerce Commission originally granted the authority, which was extended in 1989 and 1994. TTX's current pooling authority expires on Oct. 1, 2004.

The board will approve the application if it determines the authority enables TTX to provide better service to the public and economize its operation, and does not unreasonably restrain competition, according to the filing. STB expects to issue a decision by Sept. 1.

TTX is owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe, CSX Transportation, Florida East Coast Railway, Guilford Rail System, Grand Trunk Western Railroad Co., Illinois Central Railroad Co., Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern Railway, Soo Line Railroad Co. and Union Pacific Railroad.