Legal Definitions - Surface Transportation Board

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is a unit within the U.S. Department of Transportation that is responsible for regulating interstate surface transportation, primarily railroads. Its main focus is on economic regulation.

The STB has jurisdiction over a variety of transportation issues, including:

• Railroad-rate and -service issues
• Railroad-company mergers and related labor matters
• Truck and ocean shipping rates
• Intercity bus-company structures
• Pipeline matters not regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

For example, if a railroad company wants to merge with another company, the STB would review the proposal to ensure that it is in compliance with regulations and does not harm competition in the industry. Similarly, if a trucking company wants to raise its rates, the STB would review the proposal to ensure that it is reasonable and does not unfairly burden consumers.