Rail Service Issues & Actions Timeline
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November, 2014
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Rail Service
Rail service in South Dakota continues to be challenging for all shippers. South Dakota’s agriculture producers have been hit particularly hard by the ongoing rail service backlogs resulting in lower grain prices and diminishing grain elevator storage capacity due to unmoved stockpiles of last year’s crops. I continue working closely with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) which has direct oversight over our freight and passenger railroads, to monitor the service issues. I also serve as the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which has jurisdiction over the STB, freight and passenger railroads, as well as the U.S. Department of Transportation.
I have also worked directly with the railroads that service South Dakota to flag problems and seek solutions for South Dakota’s shippers, many of whom only have one rail carrier option and must rely on rail service as the only economically feasible option for moving their products to market. I also urge shippers impacted by rail service issues to notify the STB, which has reiterated to me the value of hearing directly from shippers. I will regularly update this site, providing you with our latest actions and information regarding South Dakota rail service. I’m committed to working with our producers, shippers, and railroads to ensure that South Dakota’s rail service problems are addressed and will continue to keep you updated as this process continues.
Rail Service Press
| Date | Title |
|---|---|
| 11/14/14 | Working to Address South Dakota’s Transportation Needs |
| Date | Title |
|---|---|
| 10/8/14 | Thune Applauds New STB Transparency Reporting Requirements For Railroads |
| 10/1/14 | Thune, Klobuchar Call on USDA to Report on Economic Impact of Rail Service Challenges |
