Baldwin Joins Bipartisan Group of Senators to Urge the Surface Transportation Board to Take Action to Increase Competition and Ensure Fair Treatment for Shippers
Substantial consolidation in the railroad industry has put shippers at a disadvantage and led to a rapid increase in freight rail rates
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined a bipartisan group of senators in urging the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to take action to increase competition and ensure fair treatment for shippers. Substantial consolidation in the railroad industry has put shippers at a disadvantage and led to a rapid increase in freight rail rates. In a letter to Chairman Elliott, led by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the senators called on the STB to reform outdated railroad rate procedures, allow competitive switching, and revoke certain commodity exemptions.
“Our economy demands a system where railroads as well as their customers can proposer. To achieve this balance, rail service must be fair, efficient, and cost effective, especially to captive shippers or those with access to only one rail service provider,” the senators wrote. “Where meaningful competition exists, the STB should let market forces play out. But because the railroads have certain exemptions from the antitrust laws, the STB must ensure rates are fair and stop anticompetitive behavior. We urge the Board to continue to advance reforms that will meet the needs of all stakeholders.”
The letter was signed by Baldwin and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and David Vitter (R-LA).
A copy of the letter the lawmakers sent is available here.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin
Senator Baldwin Introduces Bill to Provide Healthcare For All Troops
Aug 21st, 2025 by U.S. Sen. Tammy BaldwinRoughly 130,000 men and women in the National Guard and Reserve do not have health insurance
Baldwin Presses Ascension on Decision to Outsource Staffing of Intensive Care Units to Private Equity-Backed Firm
Aug 15th, 2025 by U.S. Sen. Tammy BaldwinTeamHealth, a private equity-backed firm, has history of business practices that compromise patient care and safety
Baldwin, Moore, Steil Call for Trump Administration to Provide Immediate Federal Support for Flood Damage in Southeastern Wisconsin
Aug 14th, 2025 by U.S. Sen. Tammy BaldwinLawmakers support Wisconsin’s request for assistance with federal damage assessment
