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Published: 1998

Total Pages: 0

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STB is an independent agency administratively housed within the Department of Transportation. It is responsible for the economic regulation of interstate surface transportation to ensure that competitive and efficient transportation services are provided to meet the needs of shippers, receivers, and consumers. While STB is primarily responsible for railroads, it also regulates pipelines that provide interstate transportation of commodities other than oil, gas, or water. This oversight involves ensuring that pipelines fulfill their "common carrier" obligations. These obligations include (1) charging reasonable rates; (2) providing rates and services to all upon reasonable request; (3) not unfairly discriminating among shippers; (4) establishing classifications, rules, and practices that are reasonable; and (5) interchanging traffic with other carriers or modes of transportation.