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On July 7, Surface Transportation Board members will hear arguments from First Union Rail Corp., David J. Joseph Co. and Bombardier Rail Capital Inc. officials about their objections to TTX Co.'s request to extend its flat-car pooling authority. Board members also will hear rebuttals from TTX officials.

First Union and Bombardier officials had sought to postpone the oral argument until July 28, but the STB denied the request.

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. 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.