Why did the STB decide to withdraw its approval of the industry’s antitrust immunity?
In making its decision, the STB stated that the moving public has a significant interest in a competitive market for all customers. In its announcement the STB said, “Our action today will protect all shippers, especially the small-volume or infrequent shippers who are most likely to lack the bargaining power to obtain market-driven discounts, from the collectively set class rates.” Note: While the original date for implementation was to be Sept. 4, 2007, the date has been extended to January 1, 2008.
