SPI Issues Statement on Senate Approval of S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2015

June 19, 2015

WASHINGTON—By unanimous consent, the U.S. Senate approved S. 808, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2015 Thursday. William R. Carteaux, president and CEO of SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, made the following remarks in response to the Senate’s approval:

“SPI congratulates the Senate on unanimously advancing the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Reauthorization Act of 2015. S. 808 would bring the STB into the 21st century, ensuring that the economic watchdog of the nation’s rail shipping system has the tools it needs to effectively manage the issues that are most relevant to the nation’s rail customers.

“As the nation’s third-largest manufacturing sector, the plastics industry has a vested interest in the fair and efficient functioning of our nation’s rail system. Today, most shippers lack access to competitive rail service, and as a result railroad shipping rates have surged over the last decade, rising nearly three times as fast as inflation and trucking rates.

“Accordingly, this has resulted in an increase in the number, cost and complexity of rate disputes. In its current state, the STB is ill-equipped to handle these developments, but the modest reforms in S. 808 go a long way toward fixing this problem by strengthening the STB and eliminating many of the inefficiencies that have hampered its ability to ensure competitive, sensible rail service to the nation’s plastics manufacturers. A stronger STB would help ensure that plastic materials and products can be shipped efficiently to both domestic and international markets.

“The entire U.S. plastics industry welcomes the Senate’s approval of S. 808 and we hope the House acts quickly on this important, bipartisan piece of legislation that will directly benefit American manufacturers.”

###

Founded in 1937, SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association promotes growth in the $427 billion U.S. plastics industry. Representing nearly one million American workers in the third largest U.S. manufacturing industry, SPI delivers legislative and regulatory advocacy, market research, industry promotion and the fostering of business relationships and zero waste strategies. SPI also owns and produces the international NPE trade show. All profits from NPE are reinvested into SPI’s industry services. Find SPI online at www.plasticsindustry.org and www.inthehopper.org.

"From resin suppliers and equipment makers to processors and brand owners, SPI is proud to represent all facets of the U.S. plastics industry," said William R. Carteaux, president and CEO, SPI. "Our most recent economic reports show that the plastics industry as a whole is resilient, and has come through the recession significantly better than other U.S. manufacturing sectors."