The Surface Transporation Board (STB) adopted the Final Rule Establishing Minimum Information Requirements for Class I Demurrage Invoices on Wednesday in a move that is being hailed as a huge win for recyclers.
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) celebrated the rule, which was passed after a hard-fought battle with the STB over excessive demurrage charges and inconsistent rail service. Robin Weiner, president of ISRI said that the STB’s Supplemental Rule included the necessary information for “accurate and effective communication between shippers and our rail carrier partners.”
Weiner added, “Rail invoices will now include accurate and accessible information so both rail carriers and rail shippers are on the same page. The STB’s rule recognizes that the communication of correct information can help prevent many misunderstandings between rail shippers and carriers.”
ISRI had filed formal comments with the STB and described the types of information needed from railroads with any demurrage invoices. The institute also advocated for specific data that would allow recyclers to better anticipate the arrival of the requested railcars and challenge any demurrage charges imposed by a railroad.
More specifically, it argued for machine-readable access of invoices that included unique identifying information such as the railcar number, the date the waybill was created, the status of the car, and the dates and times of the actual placement of each railcar.
Click here to read the full text of the new STB rule.