Transportation Regulatory Priorities

Contact Information:
Katy Hartnett
Director, Infrastructure & Transportation
khartnett@cement.org

Background:

Approximately half of the cement shipped in the United States is shipped by rail. Cement manufacturers also rely on rail shipments to receive goods critical to manufacturing cement, as well as maintaining environmental compliance. Cement manufacturers across the country are experiencing a decline in rail service, which in turn is impacting the efficient movement of cement to the market to build a range of different types of infrastructure. 

Cement is exempt from Surface Transportation Board oversight providing little recourse for poor rail service. As the Surface Transportation Board continues its oversight of the decline in rail service across the country, PCA supports any actions taken to cover the shipment of exempt commodities. Additionally, the Surface Transportation Board should complete consideration of the case that could result in the re-establishment of Board oversight of hydraulic cement.