Broadcast Bulletin – May 1, 2006

ASSOCIATION TO STB FUEL SURCHARGES HEARING:  The Surface Transportation Board is holding a hearing in Washington, DC on May 11^th regarding railroad fuel surcharges.  STB says the question is “whether railroad fuel surcharges are being set in such a manner as to insure that they are used only to recover the increased cost of fuel for the particular movements to which the surcharge is applied...”  Much of what we have heard from the railroads over the past two years is that their fuel surcharges aren’t enough to recoup their increased fuel cost.  Even if that were true on a system-wide basis, it is no excuse for gouging those who pay to make up for the many shippers who don’t pay because fuel surcharges are not allowed in their transportation contracts. 

Leading off testimony will be Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer.  He will be followed by fellow Montanan Terry Whiteside representing several wheat and barley groups.  Third in line is the North Dakota Grain Dealers Association represented by Steve Strege.  The National Grain and Feed Association, the Fertilizer Institute, and Ag Processing are also on the first shipper panel.  A total of 34 witnesses are scheduled, including the nation’s major railroads, BNSF and CP among them.

Audio of this hearing will be available on the STB’s website.  Go to http://www.stb.dot.gov/    Then click on the “Live Audio” link under “Information Center” at the left side of the STB home page. This starts at 9:00 a.m. EASTERN Daylight Time on May 11, 2006.

The statements of all witnesses will be posted on that STB website on May 11^th.  Click on E-LIBRARY and then Filings.  Then look for EP 661. 

GIVE YOUR INPUT ON STATE TRANSPORTATION PLAN VIA INTERNET:  The North Dakota Department of Transportation is updating its statewide transportation plan. This plan is the long-range policy document which guides NDDOT activity. The plan considers all modes of transportation significant to North Dakota.

As part of the update process NDDOT is seeking input from North Dakota businesses to identify concerns they may have regarding North Dakota’s transportation system. An electronic survey has been developed and is available on NDDOT’s website at www.state.nd.us/dot/dotnet/surveya/surveybusiness.aspx , until May 12, 2006.   The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.  It is very important that you take the time to give your opinions.  If grain elevator managers don't speak up then their concerns will be overshadowed by those who do speak up.   Only YOU can relate YOUR situation.