AAR Warns New Rail Mandates Could Raise Farm Costs as 2025 Safety Hits Record

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 20

Ian Jefferies urged Congress to reject proposed freight-rail mandates, saying train-length limits and expanded manual inspections would raise shipping costs, cut capacity and hit farmers and consumers.
The warning comes as lawmakers weigh a five-year surface transportation bill due in September, with railroads arguing the proposals lack evidence they would improve safety.
Federal Railroad Administration data showed freight-rail safety improved across nearly every major category in 2025, which Jefferies said reflected billions of dollars of private investment in technology, infrastructure and training.
Farm groups tied the issue to a broader rural squeeze: net farm income has fallen, input costs remain high and export markets are uncertain, making rail costs critical for grain, fertilizer and biofuel shipments.

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