FR 2025-04531

The recent notice from the Surface Transportation Board, documented as 90 FR 12928 and published on March 19, 2025, details a request from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to access the confidential Carload Waybill Samples spanning from 1986 to 2023. This request is of interest due to the sensitive nature of the information contained within these samples, which includes data concerning railroads and shippers.

General Summary

The document is essentially a notice of a request for access to specific transportation data. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has applied to use these unmasked waybill samples for research purposes. Those who might have concerns about the release of such data are invited to submit objections to the Surface Transportation Board within 14 days following the publication of the notice. Further inquiries can be sent to the provided email address, waybill@stb.gov.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One of the primary issues with the document is the absence of an abstract or summary that could quickly inform readers of its contents. Quick access to such details could be beneficial for stakeholders and the general public. Additionally, the notice does not elaborate on the potential ramifications of granting the request to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Understanding the broader consequences of such a request could help the public better evaluate its significance.

Another point of concern is the lack of clarity regarding the consequences or further procedures if objections are raised. This lack of transparency might cause uncertainty among those directly affected by this data's release. Furthermore, while the email provided allows for inquiries, there is no mention of what the inquiry process involves or the typical timeline for responses, which may deter interested parties from reaching out for more information.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, especially those with an interest in transportation and logistics, this document underscores the balance between research and confidentiality. The waybill data potentially serves as a valuable resource for academic and practical insights into transportation trends and logistics management.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders such as railroad companies and shippers, the release of this data could have significant implications. Access to raw data might yield competitive insights or expose commercial vulnerabilities, thus making them more cautious about the data being shared. Conversely, for academic institutions and researchers, such data could offer unprecedented opportunities for enhancing understanding within the field of transportation logistics.

In conclusion, while the document outlines a procedural notice, improvements in transparency and communication could enhance its effectiveness and inform the public and stakeholders more completely and confidently.