The US Surface Transportation Board raises fees for most filings, lowers two
What happened
The US Surface Transportation Board is increasing 60 of its 135 fees for 2025. This means it will cost more to file most types of cases and paperwork with the Board, while two specific fees will decrease.
Why it matters
The Surface Transportation Board oversees freight rail, intercity passenger rail, and some trucking and pipeline issues. These fee changes mean that companies and individuals seeking Board approval for mergers, acquisitions, new construction, or rate disputes will pay more. This could slightly increase the cost of doing business for companies that rely on these services, or discourage smaller entities from challenging larger ones.
The signal
Watch for any public comments or industry responses that highlight specific cases where these increased fees create a barrier to access or significantly impact project costs.