FR 2021-01533

In a recent notice, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) has acknowledged a request from the Utah Inland Port Authority to access specific data from the Board's 2019 Masked Carload Waybill Sample. This dataset is known to contain confidential information that pertains to railroad operators and shippers, requiring careful consideration regarding its release to external parties.

Summary of the Document

The document, a formal notice from the Federal Register, outlines a request to use select information from a confidential waybill sample. This sort of sample is utilized to provide a statistically significant insight into freight movement patterns without revealing sensitive business details. The request by the Utah Inland Port Authority could potentially relate to economic, business, or infrastructure planning; however, the purpose of the data request is not explicitly stated.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The most immediate concern with this notice is the absence of a clearly articulated purpose for accessing the waybill data. Without understanding the intent, stakeholders may find it difficult to gauge the necessity or implications of releasing such data. Additionally, the document does not specify how the data will be used, which might generate apprehensions regarding privacy and data security, especially given the confidential nature of the information involved.

Moreover, while the process for objecting to the release of data is mentioned, it lacks comprehensiveness. To ensure parties are adequately informed on objecting, more detailed guidance on this process would be beneficial. The notice also provides limited contact details for Alexander Dusenberry from the STB's Office of Economics. An email address or a more detailed contact methodology may help individuals seeking additional clarification or intending to lodge objections.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the release of such data could indirectly influence broader economic or infrastructural projects that utilize these insights into railroad operations. In the absence of transparent handling or communication, however, there could be unfounded concerns about the motives and outcomes of releasing such information.

Impact on Stakeholders

For stakeholders such as railroad companies or shippers, there is an immediate interest in how their data is being accessed and utilized. The prospect of their confidential information being shared with another entity might raise anxieties about competitive advantage or privacy encroachments.

Conversely, the Utah Inland Port Authority stands to gain valuable insights that could contribute to their planning and operational strategies. This access could positively influence regional logistics, infrastructure development, and economic planning.

Overall, this notice exemplifies ongoing complexities in balancing the need for data-driven decision-making against the imperatives of confidentiality and privacy for businesses involved. Both the public and specific stakeholders could benefit from increased clarity in communication and detailed processes regarding requests of this nature.