Rule2025-17006
Fees for Services Performed in Connection With Licensing and Related Services-2025 Update
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
September 5, 2025
Effective
October 5, 2025
Issuing agencies
Surface Transportation Board
Abstract
The Board updates for 2025 the fees that the public must pay to file certain cases and pleadings with the Board. Pursuant to this update, 60 of the Board's 135 fees will increase, two will decrease, and 73 fees will remain at their current levels.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 170 (Friday, September 5, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 170 (Friday, September 5, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42855-42859]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-17006]
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SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
49 CFR Part 1002
[Docket No. EP 542 (Sub-No. 33)]
Fees for Services Performed in Connection With Licensing and
Related Services--2025 Update
AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Board updates for 2025 the fees that the public must pay
to file certain cases and pleadings with the Board. Pursuant to this
update, 60 of the Board's 135 fees will increase, two will decrease,
and 73 fees will remain at their current levels.
DATES: This final rule is effective October 5, 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura Mizner, (202) 914-1059, or
Andrea Pope-Matheson, (202) 900-5240. If you require accommodation
under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please call (202) 245-0245.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board's regulations at 49 CFR 1002.3(a)
provide for an annual update of the Board's entire user-fee schedule.
Fees are generally revised based on the cost study formula set forth at
49 CFR 1002.3(d), which looks to changes in salary costs, publication
costs, and
[[Page 42856]]
Board overhead cost factors. Applying that formula, 60 of the Board's
135 fees will be increased, two will be decreased, and 73 will remain
at their current levels.
Additional information is contained in the Board's decision. To
obtain a free copy of the full decision, visit the Board's website at
<a href="http://www.stb.gov">www.stb.gov</a> or call (202) 245-0245. If you require an accommodation
under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please call (202) 245-0245.
List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 1002
Administrative practice and procedure, Common carriers, Freedom of
information.
Decided: August 29, 2025.
By the Board, Board Members Fuchs, Hedlund, and Schultz.
Zantori Dickerson,
Clearance Clerk.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, title 49, chapter X,
part 1002, of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:
PART 1002--FEES
0
1. The authority citation for part 1002 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A), (a)(6)(B), and 553; 31 U.S.C.
9701; and 49 U.S.C. 1321. Section 1002.1(f)(11) is also issued under
5 U.S.C. 5514 and 31 U.S.C. 3717.
0
2. Section 1002.1 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b), and (c)
to read as follows:
Sec. 1002.1 Fees for records search, review, copying, certification,
and related services.
* * * * *
(a) Certificate of the Records Officer, $26.00.
(b) Services involved in examination of tariffs or schedules for
preparation of certified copies of tariffs or schedules or extracts
therefrom at the rate of $55.00 per hour.
(c) Services involved in checking records to be certified to
determine authenticity, including clerical work, etc. incidental
thereto, at a rate of $38.00 per hour.
* * * * *
0
3. Section 1002.2, paragraph (f), is revised to read as follows:
* * * * *
(f) Schedule of filing fees.
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Type of proceeding Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART I: Non-Rail Applications or Proceedings To Enter Into a Particular
Financial Transaction or Joint Arrangement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) An application for the pooling or $6,700.
division of traffic.
(2) (i) An application involving the $2,900.
purchase, lease, consolidation, merger,
or acquisition of control of a motor
carrier of passengers under 49 U.S.C.
14303.
(ii) A petition for exemption under 49 $4,600.
U.S.C. 13541 (other than a
rulemaking) filed by a non-rail
carrier not otherwise covered.
(iii) A petition to revoke an $3,900.
exemption filed under 49 U.S.C.
13541(d).
(3) An application for approval of a non- $41,700.
rail rate association agreement. 49
U.S.C. 13703.
(4) An application for approval of an
amendment to a non-rail rate association
agreement:
(i) Significant amendment............. $6,800.
(ii) Minor amendment.................. $150.
(5) An application for temporary authority $750.
to operate a motor carrier of passengers.
49 U.S.C. 14303(i).
(6) A notice of exemption for transaction $2,300
within a motor passenger corporate family
that does not result in adverse changes
in service levels, significant
operational changes, or a change in the
competitive balance with motor passenger
carriers outside the corporate family.
(7)-(10) [Reserved]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART II: Rail Licensing Proceedings Other Than Abandonment or
Discontinuance Proceedings
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(11) (i) An application for a certificate $10,900.
authorizing the extension, acquisition,
or operation of lines of railroad. 49
U.S.C. 10901.
(ii) Notice of exemption under 49 CFR $2,500.
1150.31-1150.35.
(iii) Petition for exemption under 49 $18,900.
U.S.C. 10502.
(12) (i) An application involving the $112,800.
construction of a rail line.
(ii) A notice of exemption involving $2,500.
construction of a rail line under 49
CFR 1150.36.
(iii) A petition for exemption under $112,800.
49 U.S.C. 10502 involving
construction of a rail line.
(iv) A request for determination of a $350.
dispute involving a rail construction
that crosses the line of another
carrier under 49 U.S.C. 10902(d).
(13) A Feeder Line Development Program $2,600.
application filed under 49 U.S.C.
10907(b)(1)(A)(i) or 10907(b)(1)(A)(ii).
(14) (i) An application of a class II or $9,200.
class III carrier to acquire an extended
or additional rail line under 49 U.S.C.
10902.
(ii) Notice of exemption under 49 CFR $2,500.
1150.41-1150.45.
(iii) Petition for exemption under 49 $9,900.
U.S.C. 10502 relating to an exemption
from the provisions of 49 U.S.C.
10902..
(15) A notice of a modified certificate of $2,400.
public convenience and necessity under 49
CFR 1150.21-1150.24.
(16) An application for a land-use- $9,000.
exemption permit for a facility existing
as of October 16, 2008 under 49 U.S.C.
10909..
(17) An application for a land-use- $31,900.
exemption permit for a facility not
existing as of October 16, 2008 under 49
U.S.C. 10909.
(18)-(20) [Reserved]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART III: Rail Abandonment or Discontinuance of Transportation Services
Proceedings
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(21) (i) An application for authority to $33,400.
abandon all or a portion of a line of
railroad or discontinue operation thereof
filed by a railroad (except applications
filed by Consolidated Rail Corporation
pursuant to the Northeast Rail Service
Act [Subtitle E of Title XI of Pub. L. 97-
35], bankrupt railroads, or exempt
abandonments).
(ii) Notice of an exempt abandonment $5,300.
or discontinuance under 49 CFR
1152.50.
(iii) A petition for exemption under $9,400.
49 U.S.C. 10502.
(22) An application for authority to $700.
abandon all or a portion of a line of a
railroad or operation thereof filed by
Consolidated Rail Corporation pursuant to
Northeast Rail Service Act.
(23) Abandonments filed by bankrupt $2,800.
railroads.
[[Page 42857]]
(24) A request for waiver of filing $2,700.
requirements for abandonment application
proceedings.
(25) An offer of financial assistance $2,300.
under 49 U.S.C. 10904 relating to the
purchase of or subsidy for a rail line
proposed for abandonment.
(26) A request to set terms and conditions $34,300.
for the sale of or subsidy for a rail
line proposed to be abandoned.
(27) (i) Request for a trail use condition $350.
in an abandonment proceeding under 16
U.S.C. 1247(d).
(ii) A request to extend the period to $650.
negotiate a trail use agreement.
(28)-(35) [Reserved]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART IV: Rail Applications To Enter Into a Particular Financial
Transaction or Joint Arrangement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(36) An application for use of terminal $28,500.
facilities or other applications under 49
U.S.C. 11102.
(37) An application for the pooling or $15,300.
division of traffic. 49 U.S.C. 11322.
(38) An application for two or more
carriers to consolidate or merge their
properties or franchises (or a part
thereof) into one corporation for
ownership, management, and operation of
the properties previously in separate
ownership. 49 U.S.C. 11324:
(i) Major transaction................. $2,253,600.
(ii) Significant transaction.......... $450,700.
(iii) Minor transaction............... $10,300.
(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction $2,300.
under 49 CFR 1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application............ $10,300.
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 $14,000.
U.S.C. 10502.
(vii) A request for waiver or $8,300.
clarification of regulations filed in
a major financial proceeding as
defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a).
(39) An application of a non-carrier to
acquire control of two or more carriers
through ownership of stock or otherwise.
49 U.S.C. 11324:
(i) Major transaction................. $2,253,600.
(ii) Significant transaction.......... $450,700.
(iii) Minor transaction............... $10,300.
(iv) A notice of an exempt transaction $1,800.
under 49 CFR 1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application............ $10,300.
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 $14,000.
U.S.C. 10502.
(vii) A request for waiver or $8,300.
clarification of regulations filed in
a major financial proceeding as
defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a).
(40) An application to acquire trackage
rights over, joint ownership in, or joint
use of any railroad lines owned and
operated by any other carrier and
terminals incidental thereto. 49 U.S.C.
11324:
(i) Major transaction................. $2,253,600.
(ii) Significant transaction.......... $450,700.
(iii) Minor transaction............... $10,300.
(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction $1,600.
under 49 CFR 1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application............ $10,300.
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 $14,000.
U.S.C. 10502.
(vii) A request for waiver or $8,300.
clarification of regulations filed in
a major financial proceeding as
defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a).
(41) An application of a carrier or
carriers to purchase, lease, or contract
to operate the properties of another, or
to acquire control of another by purchase
of stock or otherwise. 49 U.S.C. 11324:
(i) Major transaction................. $2,253,600.
(ii) Significant transaction.......... $450,700.
(iii) Minor transaction............... $10,300.
(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction $1,900.
under 49 CFR 1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application............ $10,300.
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 $9,900.
U.S.C. 10502.
(vii) A request for waiver or $8,300.
clarification of regulations filed in
a major financial proceeding as
defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a).
(42) Notice of a joint project involving $3,400.
relocation of a rail line under 49 CFR
1180.2(d)(5).
(43) An application for approval of a rail $105,600.
rate association agreement. 49 U.S.C.
10706.
(44) An application for approval of an
amendment to a rail rate association
agreement. 49 U.S.C. 10706:
(i) Significant amendment............. $19,400.
(ii) Minor amendment.................. $150.
(45) An application for authority to hold $1,200.
a position as officer or director under
49 U.S.C. 11328.
(46) A petition for exemption under 49 $12,000.
U.S.C. 10502 (other than a rulemaking)
filed by rail carrier not otherwise
covered..
(47) National Railroad Passenger $350
Corporation (Amtrak) conveyance
proceeding under 45 U.S.C. 562.
(48) National Railroad Passenger $350.
Corporation (Amtrak) compensation
proceeding under Section 402(a) of the
Rail Passenger Service Act.
(49)-(55) [Reserved]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART V: Formal Proceedings
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(56) A formal complaint alleging unlawful
rates or practices of carriers:
(i) A formal complaint filed under the $350.
coal rate guidelines (Stand-Alone
Cost Methodology) alleging unlawful
rates and/or practices of rail
carriers under 49 U.S.C. 10704(c)(1).
(ii) A formal complaint involving rail $350.
maximum rates filed under the
Simplified-SAC methodology.
(iii) A formal complaint involving $150.
rail maximum rates filed under the
Three Benchmark methodology.
(iv) All other formal complaints $350.
(except competitive access
complaints).
(v) Competitive access complaints..... $150.
[[Page 42858]]
(vi) A request for an order compelling $350.
a rail carrier to establish a common
carrier rate.
(57) A complaint seeking or a petition $13,400.
requesting institution of an
investigation seeking the prescription or
division of joint rates or charges. 49
U.S.C. 10705.
(58) A petition for declaratory order:
(i) A petition for declaratory order $1,000.
involving a dispute over an existing
rate or practice which is comparable
to a complaint proceeding.
(ii) All other petitions for $1,400.
declaratory order.
(59) An application for shipper antitrust $10,500.
immunity. 49 U.S.C. 10706(a)(5)(A).
(60) Labor arbitration proceedings........ $350.
(61) (i) An appeal of a Surface $350.
Transportation Board decision on the
merits or petition to revoke an exemption
pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(d).
(ii) An appeal of a Surface $550.
Transportation Board decision on
procedural matters except discovery
rulings.
(62) Motor carrier undercharge proceedings $350.
(63) (i) Expedited relief for service $350.
inadequacies: A request for expedited
relief under 49 U.S.C. 11123 and 49 CFR
part 1146 for service emergency.
(ii) Expedited relief for service $350.
inadequacies: A request for temporary
relief under 49 U.S.C. 10705 and
11102, and 49 CFR part 1147 for
service inadequacy.
(64) A request for waiver or clarification $900.
of regulations except one filed in an
abandonment or discontinuance proceeding,
or in a major financial proceeding as
defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a).
(65)-(75) [Reserved]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART VI: Informal Proceedings
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(76) An application for authority to $1,800.
establish released value rates or ratings
for motor carriers and freight forwarders
of household goods under 49 U.S.C. 14706.
(77) An application for special permission $150.
for short notice or the waiver of other
tariff publishing requirements.
(78) (i) The filing of tariffs, including $1. per page.
supplements, or contract summaries. ($37. min. charge.)
(ii) The filing of water carrier $37.
annual certifications.
(79) Special docket applications from rail
and water carriers:
(i) Applications involving $25,000 or $75.
less.
(ii) Applications involving over $200.
$25,000.
(80) Informal complaint about rail rate $900.
applications.
(81) Tariff reconciliation petitions from
motor common carriers:
(i) Petitions involving $25,000 or $75.
less.
(ii) Petitions involving over $25,000. $200.
(82) Request for a determination of the $350.
applicability or reasonableness of motor
carrier rates under 49 U.S.C. 13710(a)(2)
and (3).
(83) Filing of documents for recordation. $62. per document.
49 U.S.C. 11301 and 49 CFR 1177.3(c).
(84) Informal opinions about rate $400.
applications (all modes).
(85) A railroad accounting interpretation. $1,700.
(86) (i) A request for an informal opinion $2,200.
not otherwise covered.
(ii) A proposal to use on a voting $7,700.
trust agreement pursuant to 49 CFR
1013 and 49 CFR 1180.4(b)(4)(iv) in
connection with a major control
proceeding as defined at 49 CFR
1180.2(a).
(iii) A request for an informal $750.
opinion on a voting trust agreement
pursuant to 49 CFR 1013.3(a) not
otherwise covered.
(87) Arbitration of certain disputes
subject to the statutory jurisdiction of
the Surface Transportation Board under 49
CFR 1108:
(i) Complaint......................... $75.
(ii) Answer (per defendant), Unless $75.
Declining to Submit to Any
Arbitration.
(iii) Third Party Complaint........... $75.
(iv) Third Party Answer (per $75.
defendant), Unless Declining to
Submit to Any Arbitration.
(v) Appeals of Arbitration Decisions $150.
or Petitions to Modify or Vacate an
Arbitration Award.
(88) Basic fee for STB adjudicatory $350.
services not otherwise covered.
(89)-(95) [Reserved]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART VII: Services
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(96) Messenger delivery of decision to a $49. per delivery.
railroad carrier's Washington, DC agent.
(97) Request for service or pleading list $37. per list.
for proceedings.
(98) Processing the paperwork related to a
request for the Carload Waybill Sample to
be used in an STB or State proceeding
that:
(i) Annual request does not require a ............................
Federal Register (FR) notice:
(A) Set cost portion.............. $200.
(B) Sliding cost portion.......... $72. per party.
(ii) Annual request does require a FR ............................
notice:
(A) Set cost portion.............. $500.
(B) Sliding cost portion.......... $72. per party.
(iii) Quarterly request does not ............................
require a FR notice:
(A) Set cost portion.............. $61.
(B) Sliding cost portion.......... $17. per party.
(iv) Quarterly request does require a ............................
FR notice:
(A) Set cost portion.............. $230.
(B) Sliding cost portion.......... $17. per party.
[[Page 42859]]
(v) Monthly request does not require a ............................
FR notice:
(A) Set cost portion.............. $20.
(B) Sliding cost portion.......... $5. per party.
(vi) Monthly request does require a FR ............................
notice:
(A) Set cost portion.............. $165.
(B) Sliding cost portion.......... $5. per party.
(99) (i) Application fee for the STB's $250.
Practitioners' Exam.
(ii) Practitioners' Exam Information $25.
Package.
(100) Carload Waybill Sample data:
(i) Requests for Public Use File for $250. per year.
all years prior to the most current
year Carload Waybill Sample data
available, provided on CD-R.
(ii) Specialized programming for $152. per hour.
Waybill requests to the Board.
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* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2025-17006 Filed 9-4-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on September 5, 2025.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.