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Six years after forging the pact, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) are expanding the Rail Industry Agreement (RIA).

Established in 1998, the agreement outlines ways for large and small railroads to deal with a number of issues, including car supply, service quality, rates, routing principles and interchange requirements — also known as "paper barriers."

Under the expanded agreement, paper barrier provisions will be clarified to enable a small road that purchases a line from a large road to interchange traffic with a third railroad.

"The RIA … has provided a useful forum for discussing and resolving outstanding issues, and promoting the use of rail transportation by substituting facts for anecdotes in addressing problems between carriers," said AAR President and Chief Executive Officer Ed Hamberger in a prepared statement.

In addition, a Rail Industry Working Group (RIWG) will become a formal part of the RIA. The RIWG will comprise seven members from Class Is and seven members from short lines that subscribe to the agreement, and a non-voting AAR and ASLRRA representative.

"The agreed-upon changes … can help us reach the next level of cooperation between large and small railroads," said ASLRRA President Richard Timmons. "As cooperation continues to improve and we resolve issues quickly and fairly, our mutual customers will benefit."