What are "SHORT LINE" and "REGIONAL" railroads?
- Regional railroads are line-haul railroads operating at least 350 miles of road and/or earning revenue between $40 million and the Class I revenue threshold ($346.8 million).
- Short line railroads fall into two categories:
- Local railroads are line-haul railroads below the Regional criteria, plus switching and terminal railroads.
- Switching & Terminal railroads are railroads that are either jointly owned by two railroads for the purpose of transferring cars between railroads or operate solely within a facility or group of facilities.
There is a precise revenue-based definition of categories of U.S. railroads found in the regulations of the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The STB's accounting regulations group rail carriers into three classes for purposes of accounting and reporting (49 CFR Part 1201 Subpart A):
- Class I: Carriers with annual carrier operating revenues of $346.8 million* or more
- Class II: Carriers with annual carrier operating revenues of less than $346.8 million* but in excess of $40 million*
- Class III: Carriers with annual carrier operating revenues of $40 million* or less, and all switching and terminal companies regardless of operating revenues.
Generally, Class III carriers are referred to as short lines, and Class II carriers are referred to as regional railroads.
* These threshold figures are adjusted annually for inflation using the base year of 1991.
Where can I find statistical data on short line and regional railroads?
In 2003, ASLRRA commissioned the most comprehensive data study ever done on the small railroad industry. The second edition is scheduled to be available in early 2006. The results of that study are available in the booklet, Short Line and Regional Railroad Facts and Figures, which is available from ASLRRA. Click here for more information about the booklet and an order form.
Several other organizations also provide data on short line and regional railroads. Railcar Management, Inc. (RMI), releases detailed carload information for over 200 short line and regional railroads in their weekly RailConnect Index and Railinc provides monthly statistics on the number of carloads originated by nearly 500 short line and regional railroads. Both indexes are published in ASLRRA’s newsletter, Views & News. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) publishes a computer program called Profiles of American Railroads, which is updated annually. It contains basic information on all railroads, including number of miles, employees, commodities hauled, etc.. You can order this publication at www.aar.org/catalogandpublications/publications.asp
The AAR also has state by state data posted on their web site at www.aar.org/AboutTheIndustry/StateInformation.asp
What is involved in starting up a small railroad?
Before you start up a rail operation, you must first obtain approval ("common carrier authority") from the Surface Transportation Board (STB). For information on procedures, download the STB publication, "So You Want to Start a Small Railroad," which can be found on STB's web site at www.stb.dot.gov/stb/docs/So_You_Want_to_Start_Small_RR.pdf
Once the STB approval process is underway, you should contact Scott Phillips at AAR/RAILINC at 919.651.5042 or at Scott.Phillips@railinc.com to obtain reporting/road marks. For additional information on obtaining reporting marks or transferring existing marks, visit: www.railinc.com/view.cfm?cnid=185 You will also need to arrange participation in the code of interchange rules and other industry-wide agreements through AAR.
How does a railroad issue an embargo?
An embargo is a method of controlling traffic movements when in the judgment of the serving railroad accumulations, threatened congestion or other interference with operation, of a temporary nature, warrant restrictions against such movements. Instructions on placing and handling of embargoes can be found in Customer Operations Circular TD-1 contained in the Official Railway Equipment Register. To issue an embargo online go to AAR/Railinc web site embargo.railinc.com
How can I get the latest Quarterly Rail Cost Adjustment Factor (RCAF) information?
STB serves a decision issuing the RCAF approximately ten (10) days prior to the date of the Quarter based on AAR forecast. You can find a copy of the STB's Decision on AAR's web site at www.aar.org/AboutTheIndustry/RailCostIndexes.asp or the STB's web site www.stb.dot.gov/. A summary of the STB's Decision can also be found in ASLRRA's Views & News publication, shortly after being served.
What are the publication and filing requirements for rail rates?
- Tariffs - The "ICC Termination Act of 1995" eliminated the manner and forms in which rates must be published and maintained, as well as filing requirements. However, for all commodities other than agricultural products and fertilizer, rail carriers must disclose, upon formal request, rates and charges and service terms that may be applicable to transportation covered by the rate(s). On agricultural products, including grain and grain products and fertilizer, rail carriers must publish and make available rates, charges, etc. (For information on disclosure, publication and notice requirements, etc., see 49 CFR Part 1300)
- Contracts - The "ICC Termination Act of 1995" required rail carriers to file only Contract summaries covering the transportation of agricultural products, including grain and grain by products. For contracts covering non-agricultural products, summary filing is no longer required.(For information on the filing procedures and formats for contract summaries on agricultural products, including grain and grain products, see 49 CFR Part 1313.)
- Exempt rates - Agreements can simply be issued in any form agreed to by the rail carrier and shipper. (Applicable only to commodities and services specifically ordered exempt by the STB. (For exemptions, see 49 CFR Part 1039)
Where can I get training for my locomotive engineers?
Most railroads can train their own locomotive engineers based on their individual training programs that have been submitted to the FRA. Outside contractors are available, but caution should be taken when selecting one. Only a designated supervisor of locomotive engineers (DSLE) can certify a locomotive engineer. Outside contractors may do the training, but unless they are a DSLE they cannot certify the engineer.
Does my railroad have to test for random drug and alcohol?
They regulation requires all common carrier railroads that have 15 or more Hours of Service employees or operates on the tracks of another railroad (except for simple interchange, usually less than a mile) must have a random drug testing program. ASLRRA has a program that can be used to comply with the regulation and recommends that railroads use the ASLRRA third party administrator to do the testing and scheduling.
Where can I find a list of contractors and equipment suppliers that will best serve my small railroad operation?
Please refer to our E-Marketplace section where you can find over 300 rail industry suppliers. Railroad members can request bids for goods and services at no charge.
If I don't understand a certain regulation or technical bulletin where can I go for help?
Regulations and FRA Technical Bulletins can be very confusing and sometimes outside help may be required. If you have questions on any regulatory requirement you should first call your regional FRA office. If you are not sure who to call or have a specific problem and want to discuss it with someone, ASLRRA members can call Keith Borman in ASLRRA's Washington office.
Where can I get Hazardous Material Training?
There are several providers of good quality training that are listed in the ASLRRA's Suppliers Directory. There are other training sources close to your railroad that probably are more than willing to help. Your customers are a great resource. They are required to train their employees on the hazards of hazmat handling and you can ask them to permit your employee to sit in on their sessions. Local fire departments, rescue squads and police department are other good resources to use.
How can I find out about short lines that may be available for purchase?
Contact each Class I railroad directly to inquire about lines that may be available for sale.
Which short line and regional railroads are publicly traded?
Florida East Coast Railway and Rail America (wholly-owned subsidiaries of Fortress Investment Group) - FIG
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. - GWR
Providence & Worcester Railroad - PWX
Where can I obtain railroad maps?
There are a number of sources available. A few of them are: Deskmap Systems: www.deskmap.com; Specialist Publications and Videos: www.spv.co.uk/atlases.shtml.
I'm just starting out in the rail industry. What are some of the publications that I should read?
The Pocket List of Railroad Officials
Commonwealth Business Media
50 Millstone Rd., Bldg. 400, Suite 200
East Windsor, NJ 08520
800-221-5488 ext. 7861
www.railresource.com
Progressive Railroading
Trade Press Publishing Corp
2100 West Florist Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53209
414-228-7701
www.progressiverailroading.com
Railway Age
Simmons-Boardman Publishing
1809 Capital Ave
Omaha, NE 68102
(800) 228-9670
www.railwayage.com
Railway Track & Structures
Simmons-Boardman
345 Hudson St.
New York, NY 10014
(800) 228-9670
www.rtands.com
Traffic World
1230 National Press Building
Washington, DC 20045
202-783-1101
www.trafficworld.com
Trains
Kalmbach Publishing Co.
21027 Crossroads Circle
Waukesha, WI 53187
800-446-5489
www.trainsmag.com
How do I find out about railroad employment?
Contact the railroads directly. Many of them have employment information on their web sites. If you are currently a railroad employee, you may also want to visit the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board's web site at: www.rrb.gov/PandS/Jobs/rrjobs.asp
Also check out our members, Professional Railroad Placement Services at www.railroadjobsonline.com and Edna A. Rice, Executive Recruiter
What U.S. state has the most ASLRRA short line and/or regional railroads? …The fewest?
Currently, the breakdown of railroad members by region is:
East 133
South 95
Central 127
Pacific 63
The state with the most members is Texas with 37. The states with the fewest railroad members are Hawaii (tourist operation) and Rhode Island with one member each. Nevada has no railroad members.
Of the 110 members who became the ASLRA in March 1917, the following companies are still members today:
Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad
AN Railway, LLC (formerly the Apalachicola Northern Railroad)
Atlantic & Western Railroad
Hampton & Branchville Railroad
Pickens Railroad
Sandersville Railroad
I have a problem but don't know who to call, can I call the Association for help?
ASLRRA staff is trained to assist all members in finding the right people and right answers for specific questions or problems. Whether the question is about legislation, regulations, employees, reporting information, membership information, etc., each of these questions can be handled by someone at ASLRRA headquarters in Washington. www.aslrra.org/about_ASLRRA/Contact_Us/
