49 C.F.R. § 1002.2

Current through September 30, 2024

Section 1002.2 - [Effective 10/18/2024] Filing fees

(a)Manner of payment.

(1) Except as specified in this section, all filing fees will be payable at the time and place the application, petition, notice, tariff, contract summary, or other document is tendered for filing.

(2) Filing fees for all e-filings must be paid via the Board's electronic payment system found on the Board's website. Filing fees for other filings may be paid via the electronic payment system, but will also be accepted payable to the Surface Transportation Board, either by check payable in United States currency drawn upon funds deposited in a United States or foreign bank or other financial institution, or by money order payable in United States currency.

(b)Nonpayment of fees. Any filing that is not accompanied by the appropriate filing fee or a request for waiver of the fee is deficient. If a filer requests a fee waiver but does not submit the appropriate fee, the filing is held for processing until a determination has been made on the fee waiver request. If the filer requests a fee waiver and submits the appropriate fee, the filing is accepted and the Board refunds the fee or a portion thereof if the fee waiver is ultimately granted.

(c)Fees not refundable. Fees will be assessed for every filing in the type of proceeding listed in the schedule of fees contained in paragraph (f) of this section, subject to the exceptions contained in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section. After the application, petition, notice, tariff, contract, or other document has been accepted for filing by the Board, the filing fee will not be refunded, regardless of whether the application, petition, notice, tariff, contract, or other document is granted or approved, denied, rejected before docketing, dismissed, or withdrawn. If an individual exemption proceeding becomes a matter of general applicability and is handled through the rulemaking process, the Board will refund the filing fee.

(d)Related or consolidated proceedings.

(1)

(i) Except as provided for in paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section, separate fees need not be paid for related applications filed by the same applicant that would be the subject of one proceeding.

(ii) In proceedings filed under the rail consolidation procedures at 49 CFR part 1180, the applicable filing fee must be paid for each proceeding submitted concurrently with the primary application. The fee for each type of proceeding is set forth in the fee schedule contained in paragraph (f) of this section.

(2) A separate fee will be assessed for the filing of an application for temporary authority to operate a motor carrier of passengers as provided for in paragraph (f)(5) of this section regardless of whether such application is related to a corresponding transfer proceeding as provided for in paragraph (f)(2) of this section.

(3) The Board may reject concurrently filed applications, petitions, notices, contracts, or other documents asserted to be related and refund the filing fee if, in its judgment, they embrace two or more severable matters which should be the subject of separate proceedings.

(e)Waiver or reduction of filing fees. It is the general policy of the Board not to waive or reduce filing fees except as described below:

(1) Except as noted in this paragraph (e)(1), filing fees are waived for an application, petition, notice, tariff, contract summary, or other document that is filed by a federal government agency or a state or local government entity. A fee waiver is not available under this paragraph for a quasi-governmental entity or government-subsidized transportation company. A fee waiver is also not available to any state or local government entity that is acting in the capacity of a carrier or shipper or that owns or proposes to own a carrier and is before the agency in its proprietary role.

(i)When to request. At the time that a filing is submitted to the Board, the fee waiver applicant may request a waiver of the fee prescribed in this part. Such request should be addressed to the Chief, Section of Administration, Office of Proceedings, Surface Transportation Board.

(ii)Board action. The Board will either stamp the relevant filing with the notation "Filing Fee Waived," or the fee waiver applicant will be notified of the decision to grant or deny the request for waiver by the Chief, Section of Administration, Office of Proceedings.

(2) In extraordinary situations the Board will accept requests for waivers or fee reductions in accordance with the following procedure:

(i)When to request. At the time that a filing is submitted to the Board, the fee waiver applicant may request a waiver or reduction of the fee prescribed in this part. Such request should be addressed to the Chief, Section of Administration, Office of Proceedings.

(ii)Basis. The fee waiver applicant must show the waiver or reduction of the fee is in the best interest of the public, or that payment of the fee would impose an undue hardship on the fee waiver applicant.

(iii)Board action. The Chief, Section of Administration, Office of Proceedings will notify the fee waiver applicant of the decision to grant or deny the request for waiver or reduction.

(3)Review. No third-party appeals of fee waiver or reduction decisions are permitted.

(f)Schedule of filing fees.

Type of proceeding	Fee
PART I: Non-Rail Applications or Proceedings to Enter Into a Particular Financial Transaction or Joint Arrangement
(1) An application for the pooling or division of traffic	$6,500.
(2)(i) An application involving the purchase, lease, consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control of a motor carrier of passengers under 49 U.S.C. 14303	$2,900.
(ii) A petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 13541 (other than a rulemaking) filed by a non-rail carrier not otherwise covered	$4,500.
(iii) A petition to revoke an exemption filed under 49 U.S.C. 13541(d)	$3,800.
(3) An application for approval of a non-rail rate association agreement. 49 U.S.C. 13703	$40,600.
(4) An application for approval of an amendment to a non-rail rate association agreement:
(i) Significant amendment	$6,700.
(ii) Minor amendment	$150.
(5) An application for temporary authority to operate a motor carrier of passengers. 49 U.S.C. 14303(i)	$700.
(6) A notice of exemption for transaction within a motor passenger corporate family that does not result in adverse changes in service levels, significant operational changes, or a change in the competitive balance with motor passenger carriers outside the corporate family	$2,300.
(7)-(10) [Reserved]
PART II: Rail Licensing Proceedings other than Abandonment or Discontinuance Proceedings
(11)(i) An application for a certificate authorizing the extension, acquisition, or operation of lines of railroad. 49 U.S.C. 10901	$10,600.
(ii) Notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.31 through 1150.35	$2,500.
(iii) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502	$18,400.
(12)(i) An application involving the construction of a rail line	$109,900.
(ii) A notice of exemption involving construction of a rail line under 49 CFR 1150.36	$2,500.
(iii) A petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 involving construction of a rail line	$109,900.
(iv) A request for determination of a dispute involving a rail construction that crosses the line of another carrier under 49 U.S.C. 10902(d)	$350.
(13) A Feeder Line Development Program application filed under 49 U.S.C. 10907(b)(1)(A)(i) or 10907(b)(1)(A)(ii)	$2,600.
(14)(i) An application of a class II or class III carrier to acquire an extended or additional rail line under 49 U.S.C. 10902	$9,000.
(ii) Notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.41 through 1150.45	$2,500.
(iii) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 relating to an exemption from the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10902	$9,600.
(15) A notice of a modified certificate of public convenience and necessity under 49 CFR 1150.21 through 1150.24	$2,400.
(16) An application for a land-use-exemption permit for a facility existing as of October 16, 2008 under 49 U.S.C. 10909	$8,800.
(17) An application for a land-use-exemption permit for a facility not existing as of October 16, 2008 under 49 U.S.C. 10909	$31,100.
(18)-(20) [Reserved]
PART III: Rail Abandonment or Discontinuance of Transportation Services Proceedings
(21)(i) An application for authority to abandon all or a portion of a line of railroad or discontinue operation thereof filed by a railroad (except applications filed by Consolidated Rail Corporation pursuant to the Northeast Rail Service Act [Subtitle E of Title XI of Pub. L. 97-35], bankrupt railroads, or exempt abandonments)	$32,600.
(ii) Notice of an exempt abandonment or discontinuance under 49 CFR 1152.50	$5,200.
(iii) A petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502	$9,200.
(22) An application for authority to abandon all or a portion of a line of a railroad or operation thereof filed by Consolidated Rail Corporation pursuant to Northeast Rail Service Act	$700.
(23) Abandonments filed by bankrupt railroads	$2,800.
(24) A request for waiver of filing requirements for abandonment application proceedings	$2,600.
(25) An offer of financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. 10904 relating to the purchase of or subsidy for a rail line proposed for abandonment	$2,300.
(26) A request to set terms and conditions for the sale of or subsidy for a rail line proposed to be abandoned	$33,400.
(27) (i) Request for a trail use condition in an abandonment proceeding under 16 U.S.C. 1247(d)	$350.
(ii) A request to extend the period to negotiate a trail use agreement	$650.
(28)-(35) [Reserved]
PART IV: Rail Applications to Enter Into a Particular Financial Transaction or Joint Arrangement
(36) An application for use of terminal facilities or other applications under 49 U.S.C. 11102	$27,800.
(37) An application for the pooling or division of traffic. 49 U.S.C. 11322	$15,000.
(38) An application for two or more carriers to consolidate or merge their properties or franchises (or a part thereof) into one corporation for ownership, management, and operation of the properties previously in separate ownership. 49 U.S.C. 11324 :
(i) Major transaction	$2,195,500.
(ii) Significant transaction	$439,100.
(iii) Minor transaction	$10,300.
(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)	$2,300.
(v) Responsive application	$10,300.
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502	$13,700.
(vii) A request for waiver or clarification of regulations filed in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a)	$8,100.
(39) An application of a non-carrier to acquire control of two or more carriers through ownership of stock or otherwise. 49 U.S.C. 11324 :
(i) Major transaction	$2,195,500.
(ii) Significant transaction	$439,100.
(iii) Minor transaction	$10,300.
(iv) A notice of an exempt transaction under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)	$1,800.
(v) Responsive application	$10,300.
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502	$13,700.
(vii) A request for waiver or clarification of regulations filed in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a)	$8,100.
(40) An application to acquire trackage rights over, joint ownership in, or joint use of any railroad lines owned and operated by any other carrier and terminals incidental thereto. 49 U.S.C. 11324 :
(i) Major transaction	$2,195,500.
(ii) Significant transaction	$439,100.
(iii) Minor transaction	$10,300.
(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)	$1,600.
(v) Responsive application	$10,300.
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502	$13,700.
(vii) A request for waiver or clarification of regulations filed in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a)	$8,100.
(41) An application of a carrier or carriers to purchase, lease, or contract to operate the properties of another, or to acquire control of another by purchase of stock or otherwise. 49 U.S.C. 11324 :
(i) Major transaction	$2,195,500.
(ii) Significant transaction	$439,100.
(iii) Minor transaction	$10,300.
(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)	$1,900.
(v) Responsive application	$10,300.
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502	$9,600.
(vii) A request for waiver or clarification of regulations filed in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a)	$8,100.
(42) Notice of a joint project involving relocation of a rail line under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(5)	$3,300.
(43) An application for approval of a rail rate association agreement. 49 U.S.C. 10706	$102,800.
(44) An application for approval of an amendment to a rail rate association agreement. 49 U.S.C. 10706 :
(i) Significant amendment	$18,900.
(ii) Minor amendment	$150.
(45) An application for authority to hold a position as officer or director under 49 U.S.C. 11328	$1,100.
(46) A petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 (other than a rulemaking) filed by rail carrier not otherwise covered	$11,700.
(47) National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) conveyance proceeding under 45 U.S.C. 562	$350.
(48) National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) compensation proceeding under section 402(a) of the Rail Passenger Service Act	$350.
(49)-(55) [Reserved]
PART V: Formal Proceedings
(56) A formal complaint alleging unlawful rates or practices of carriers:
(i) A formal complaint filed under the coal rate guidelines (Stand-Alone Cost Methodology) alleging unlawful rates and/or practices of rail carriers under 49 U.S.C. 10704(c)(1)	$350.
(ii) A formal complaint involving rail maximum rates filed under the Simplified-SAC methodology	$350.
(iii) A formal complaint involving rail maximum rates filed under the Three Benchmark methodology	$150.
(iv) A formal complaint involving rail maximum rates filed under the Final Offer Rate Review procedure	$150.
(v) All other formal complaints (except competitive access complaints)	$350.
(vi) Competitive access complaints	$150.
(vii) A request for an order compelling a rail carrier to establish a common carrier rate	$350.
(57) A complaint seeking or a petition requesting institution of an investigation seeking the prescription or division of joint rates or charges. 49 U.S.C. 10705	$13,000.
(58) A petition for declaratory order:
(i) A petition for declaratory order involving a dispute over an existing rate or practice which is comparable to a complaint proceeding	$1,000.
(ii) All other petitions for declaratory order	$1,400.
(59) An application for shipper antitrust immunity. 49 U.S.C. 10706(a)(5)(A)	$10,200.
(60) Labor arbitration proceedings	$350.
(61)(i) An appeal of a Surface Transportation Board decision on the merits or petition to revoke an exemption pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(d)	$350.
(ii) An appeal of a Surface Transportation Board decision on procedural matters except discovery rulings	$550.
(62) Motor carrier undercharge proceedings	$350.
(63)(i) Expedited relief for service inadequacies: A request for expedited relief under 49 U.S.C. 11123 and 49 CFR part 1146 for service emergency	$350.
(ii) Expedited relief for service inadequacies: A request for temporary relief under 49 U.S.C. 10705 and 11102 , and 49 CFR part 1147 for service inadequacy	$350.
(64) A request for waiver or clarification of regulations except one filed in an abandonment or discontinuance proceeding, or in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a)	$850.
(65)-(75) [Reserved]
PART VI: Informal Proceedings
(76) An application for authority to establish released value rates or ratings for motor carriers and freight forwarders of household goods under 49 U.S.C. 14706	$1,800.
(77) An application for special permission for short notice or the waiver of other tariff publishing requirements	$150.
(78)(i) The filing of tariffs, including supplements, or contract summaries	$1. per page. ($36. min. charge.)
(ii) The filing of water carrier annual certifications	$36.
(79) Special docket applications from rail and water carriers:
(i) Applications involving $25,000 or less	$75.
(ii) Applications involving over $25,000	$200.
(80) Informal complaint about rail rate applications	$900.
(81) Tariff reconciliation petitions from motor common carriers:
(i) Petitions involving $25,000 or less	$75.
(ii) Petitions involving over $25,000	$200.
(82) Request for a determination of the applicability or reasonableness of motor carrier rates under 49 U.S.C. 13710(a)(2) and (3)	$350.
(83) Filing of documents for recordation. 49 U.S.C. 11301 and 49 CFR 1177.3(c) .	$60. per document.
(84) Informal opinions about rate applications (all modes)	$350.
(85) A railroad accounting interpretation	$1,600.
(86)(i) A request for an informal opinion not otherwise covered	$2,200.
(ii) A proposal to use on a voting trust agreement pursuant to 49 CFR part 1013 and 49 CFR 1180.4(b)(4)(iv) in connection with a major control proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a)	$7,500.
(iii) A request for an informal opinion on a voting trust agreement pursuant to 49 CFR 1013.3(a) not otherwise covered	$750.
(87) Arbitration of certain disputes subject to the statutory jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board under 49 CFR part 1108 :
(i) Complaint	$75.
(ii) Answer (per defendant), Unless Declining to Submit to Any Arbitration	$75.
(iii) Third Party Complaint	$75.
(iv) Third Party Answer (per defendant), Unless Declining to Submit to Any Arbitration	$75.
(v) Appeals of Arbitration Decisions or Petitions to Modify or Vacate an Arbitration Award	$150.
(88) Basic fee for STB adjudicatory services not otherwise covered	$350.
(89)-(95) [Reserved]
PART VII: Services
(96) Messenger delivery of decision to a railroad carrier's Washington, DC agent	$47. per delivery.
(97) Request for service or pleading list for proceedings	$36. per list.
(98) Processing the paperwork related to a request for the Carload Waybill Sample to be used in an STB or State proceeding that:
(i) Annual request does not require a Federal Register (FR) notice:
(A) Set cost portion	$200.
(B) Sliding cost portion	$69. per party.
(ii) Annual request does require a FR notice:
(A) Set cost portion	$500.
(B) Sliding cost portion	$69. per party.
(iii) Quarterly request does not require a FR notice:
(A) Set cost portion	$60.
(B) Sliding cost portion	$17. per party.
(iv) Quarterly request does require a FR notice:
(A) Set cost portion	$245.
(B) Sliding cost portion	$17. per party.
(v) Monthly request does not require a FR notice:
(A) Set cost portion	$20.
(B) Sliding cost portion	$5. per party.
(vi) Monthly request does require a FR notice:
(A) Set cost portion	$182.
(B) Sliding cost portion	$5. per party.
(99)(i) Application fee for the STB's Practitioners' Exam	$250.
(ii) Practitioners' Exam Information Package	$25.
(100) Carload Waybill Sample data:
(i) Requests for Public Use File for all years prior to the most current year Carload Waybill Sample data available, provided on CD-R	$250. per year.
(ii) Specialized programming for Waybill requests to the Board	$148. per hour.

(g)Returned check policy.

(1) If a check submitted to the Board for a filing or service fee is dishonored by a bank or financial institution on which it is drawn, the Board will notify the person who submitted the check that:

(i) All work will be suspended on the filing or proceeding, other than a tariff filing, until the check is made good;

(ii) A returned check charge of $20.00 and any bank charges incurred by the Board as a result of the dishonored check must be submitted with the filing fee which is outstanding; and

(iii) If payment is not made within the time specified by the Board, the proceeding will be dismissed or the filing may be rejected.

(2) If a person repeatedly submits dishonored checks to the Board for filing fees, the Board may notify the person that all future filing fees must be submitted in the form of a certified or cashier's check or a money order.

49 C.F.R. §1002.2

49 FR 18492, May 1, 1984

81 FR 8856, 2/23/2016; 81 FR 50653, 9/1/2016; 82 FR 35907, 9/1/2017; 83 FR 38266, 9/5/2018;84 FR 12943, 5/10/2019; 84 FR 20294, 6/8/2019; 84 FR 38580, 9/6/2019; 85 FR 47099, 9/3/2020; 85 FR 83832, 1/22/2021; 86 FR 44282, 9/11/2021; 87 FR 51922, 9/23/2022; 88 FR 317, 3/6/2023; 88 FR 59806, 9/29/2023; 89 FR 76435, 10/18/2024

For FEDERAL REGISTER citations affecting § 1002.2, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.