[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 138 (Tuesday, July 18, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 44509]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-18077]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

49 CFR Part 1247

[STB Ex Parte No. 583]


Modification of the Class I Reporting Regulations

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board (Board) solicits comments on 
requiring Class I railroads to report the number of rail cars loaded 
and terminated annually. The effect of this proposal, if adopted, will 
be to ensure the continued availability of these data.

DATES: Comments are due on September 1, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Send comments (an original and 10 copies) referring to STB 
Ex Parte No. 583 to: Surface Transportation Board, Office of the 
Secretary, Case Control Branch, 1925 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 
20423-0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul A. Aguiar, (202) 565-1527 or H. 
Jeff Warren, (202) 565-1533. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is 
available through TDD services (202) 565-1695.]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) 
currently collects quarterly data on the number of rail cars loaded and 
terminated by each Class I railroad in Equipment Report, Cars Loaded 
and Cars Terminated (AAR Form CS-54-1). Data contained in these 
quarterly reports are aggregated by the AAR to create an annual AAR 
Form CS-54-1 report for each railroad. These annual reports are used by 
the Board as inputs into the Uniform Railroad Costing System (URCS). To 
ensure the continued availability of these data, we propose that the 
Class I railroads file an abbreviated version of the AAR's annual Form 
CS-54-1 with the Board within 90 days after the end of the calendar 
year. The proposed STB report--Annual Report of Cars Loaded and Cars 
Terminated (Form STB-54)--would require reporting of only that data 
used as inputs for URCS, namely, Sections A and B of AAR Form CS-54-1.
    If the proposed regulation set forth below is adopted, it will be 
codified at 49 CFR part 1247. Copies of proposed Form STB-54 and its 
instructions are available on the Board's web site (www.stb.dot.gov) 
under decisions of this docket. Alternatively, copies can be requested 
by writing or calling the contact persons listed above.
    This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the 
human environment or energy conservation.
    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), we preliminarily conclude that our 
action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 1247

    Freight, Railroads, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Decided: June 30, 2000.

    By the Board, Chairman Morgan, Vice Chairman Burkes, and 
Commissioner Clyburn.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
    For the reasons set forth in the Preamble, Part 1247 Report of Cars 
Loaded and Cars Terminated would be added to Title 49, Chapter X of the 
Code of Federal regulations to read as follows:

PART 1247--REPORT OF CARS LOADED AND CARS TERMINATED

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 721, 10707, 11144, 11145.


Sec. 1247.1  Annual Report of Cars Loaded and Cars Terminated.

    Beginning with the reporting period commencing January 1, 2001, and 
annually thereafter, each Class I railroad shall file Form STB-54, 
Annual Report of Cars Loaded and Cars Terminated with the Office of 
Economics, Environmental Analysis, and Administration (OEEA&A), Surface 
Transportation Board, Washington, DC 20243, within 90 days after the 
end of the reporting year. Blank forms and instructions are available 
on the Board's web site (www.stb.dot.gov) or can be obtained by 
contacting OEEA&A.

[FR Doc. 00-18077 Filed 7-17-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P