October 10, 2017
Surface Transportation Board
Attn: Docket No. EP 742
395 E Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20423-0001
EP 742 – Public Listening Session Regarding CSX Transportation Inc.’s Rail Service Issues
To the Honorable Members of the Surface Transportation Board:
STATEMENT OF INTEREST: The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners purchase and process approximately 15% of America’s annual corn crop into sweeteners, ethanol, starches, corn oil, feed products and advanced bioproducts, such as bioplastics for annual sales of approximately $10 billion.
CRA respectfully submits that abusive treatment of captive shippers by CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX) has had a substantial adverse effect on the economic interests of the United States. CSX service disruptions have negatively impacted the efficiency and environmental footprint of all CRA members’ operations in the CSX service area. Bulk shipments to customers who are captive to CSX service are taking longer and are less consistent when compared to a year ago.
For example, one year ago rail cars flowed and interchanged well in Anderson, Indiana. Presently, car dwell times at Anderson are in the 5-7 day range. As a result of the recent substantial, system-wide deterioration of CSX rail service, CRA members have increased the transit lead times to account for estimated delays, but still need to ship bulk truckloads to compensate for rail service delays without shutting down supply chains.
CRA endorses the testimony presented at this hearing on behalf of Cargill, Incorporated, a CRA member, and requests that the Board regard the Cargill testimony as representative of the service problems experienced by the corn refining industry throughout the CSX service area.
I respectfully offer this statement for the official record.
Sincerely,
John W. Bode
President & CEO
Corn Refiners Association