FOR RELEASE	Contact: Dennis Watson
08/06/2004 (Friday)	(202) 565-1596
No. 04-33	FIRS 1 (800) 877-8339
	www.stb.gov

Surface Transportation Board Announces Public Release of Class I Railroads' "Fall Peak" Service Plans

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Roger Nober today announced that the agency has publicly released the Class I railroads' "fall peak" service plans. Chairman Nober wrote to the Presidents of each Class I railroad on June 9 asking them to inform the Board of their plans to meet this fall's expected increase in demand for rail transportation.

In announcing the public release of these replies, Chairman Nober said:

"As STB Chairman, I pay close attention to the service the freight railroads provide to their
customers. In the past year, we have seen an unprecedented increase in demand for moving
freight on the Nation's rail system, and the railroads are working hard to keep up with this
demand. I asked the railroads to inform the Board of their fall peak plans because I am
concerned about the increasing service demands being placed on them. I am making these
responses public today because it is important for all rail customers to know what they can
expect from the railroads during the upcoming fall peak season.

"The railroads' responses show that they are keenly aware of the increased demands being
placed on them, that they are working to identify potential service problems, and are bringing
on as many resources as possible to meet any increase in demand. While I hope these steps
are enough to ensure that customers receive the best rail service possible during the peak
season, I will continue to direct the Board to monitor the situation closely and will work with
both the railroads and their customers to address any issues brought to my attention."

Chairman Nober's June 9 letter asked each Class I railroad to report to the STB its plans for meeting the expected increase in demand during the fall shipping season, known as the "peak season" because demand for rail service is usually at its highest levels. Links to the Chairman's letter, as well as the major railroads' responses arranged alphabetically, are provided below:

• Chairman Roger Nober's June 9, 2004 letter
• The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway response
• Canadian National Railway Company response
• Canadian Pacific Railway response
• CSX Transportation Inc. response
• Kansas City Southern Railway response
• Norfolk Southern Corporation response
• Union Pacific Railroad response

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