ASLRRA Announces Intent to Participate in UP/NS Transaction

WASHINGTON, November 19, 2025 — The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) today filed a notice of intent to participate in the Surface Transportation Board (STB)’s review of a forthcoming application to be filed in STB docket FD 36873 for authorization to combine the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroad networks under common ownership.

This proposed major consolidation transaction is of significant interest to short line railroads across the nation. Both individually and collectively with the involvement of the ASLRRA, short lines are actively engaged in ascertaining how the proposed transaction may positively or negatively impact smaller railroads and their customers.

Gary Vaughn Named 2026 Schlosser Distinguished Service Award Recipient

WASHINGTON, November 18, 2025 — The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has selected Gary Vaughn as the 2026 Schlosser Distinguished Service Award honoree. For many railroaders, Gary Vaughn has been a mentor and a vociferous safety champion for the short line industry.

ASLRRA Files Supplemental Comments to OSHA Heat Rule NPRM

Washington, D.C., October 30, 2025 – ASLRRA provided supplemental comments to Docket No. OSHA-2021-0009, the Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings proposed rulemaking. In these comments, ASLRRA refutes an unsubstantiated statement made by a SMART-TD representative during the public hearing on July 1, 2025, claiming that railroads were not accurately reporting heat-related illnesses and injuries.  In fact, 49 C.F.R. Part 225 mandates that railroads provide FRA with accurate information concerning the hazards and risks that exist on the Nation’s railroads. Transparency is also prioritized, as the regulations require that accident/incident reports by railroads in compliance with the rules of Part 225 be made available to the public for inspection.