Federal data illuminates US rail markets

摘要

Required federal filings provide insights into the often-opaque markets that exist for rail transportation. Railroads are generally tight-lipped about pricing to avoid charges of collusion or price-signaling and most arrangements with shippers end up in confidential contracts. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) collects fuel cost receipts from regulated utilities that provide monthly information including coal quality, mine source, tons delivered and delivered cost. The costs are seen as indicative but not reliable across the board.