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The nation’s Class I railroads received mixed grades from leading U.S. grain and oilseed shippers on the first Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) Rail Customer Satisfaction Index.

The survey was completed anonymously by grain and oilseed shippers of various size and scale of operations. While respondents overall provided higher ratings for the rail industry’s customer service efforts, they consistently expressed concern at the costs of rail service and how those costs are communicated, according to the coalition.

The survey included 11 questions categorized under on-time performance, customer service and costs. For most of the questions, respondents were asked to rate the railroads on a scale of one to 10, 10 being the highest and one being the lowest.

BNSF Railway Co. received the highest overall rating, with Union Pacific Railroad finishing second. Canadian Pacific and Canadian National received the lowest ratings, finishing with a score, on average, 25 percent lower than the other five Class Is.

When asked the question, “Are rail service costs clearly explained to you? Is there transparency in the railroad’s pricing mechanism?” shippers gave railroads an average score of 3.67, with BNSF receiving the highest score at 4.36, followed by Union Pacific at 4.31. Regarding railroads’ accessorial charges, respondents said they feel they are more of an effort to generate additional revenue, and not used for the purposes advertised by the railroads.

For full survey results, follow this link.