advertisement

---

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is proposing a rulemaking that would significantly reduce shippers’ filing fees for various complaints from as much as $20,600 to $350.

Through the proposed rulemaking, the board would implement a new fee schedule that would charge shippers $350 to file a rate or unreasonable practice complaint against a transportation provider; the fee to file an expedited small rate case would remain at $150.

The new fee structure would make it easier to file formal cases at the STB, although shippers should first avail themselves of the board’s free and informal mediation service, the Rail Customer and Public Assistance Program,  said STB Chairman Daniel Elliott III in a prepared statement.

“Charging a small business more than $20,000 to bring a complaint is not right,’’ he said. “I am afraid that some meritorious cases were discouraged by the high filing fees.”