First and foremost, the Safe Freight Act of 2024 mandates that Class I railroad carriers operate freight trains with at least two crew members. Specifically, each freight train must include one qualified and certified conductor and one qualified and certified locomotive engineer. This provision underscores the importance of having more than one set of eyes and hands to manage the intricate operations of these massive vehicles. The idea is that with two people on board, the likelihood of human error decreases, and response times to any issues improve, thereby enhancing safety on the rails.
However, the bill carves out several exceptions to this rule. For instance, the two-crew requirement won’t apply to train operations on tracks that aren’t main lines, which are usually less busy and pose fewer risks. Similarly, trains performing mechanical assistance, traveling short distances (no further than 50 miles from their origin), or those previously staffed with fewer than two people for at least a year prior to the bill’s enactment can be exempt.
It’s important to note that there are particular exclusions within these exceptions. High-hazard trains—defined as those carrying significant quantities of flammable, toxic, or explosive materials—are not eligible for these exemptions. Additionally, trains measuring 7,500 feet or longer must still adhere to the two-person crew mandate, regardless of prior staffing norms.
Railroad carriers do have the option to seek a waiver from the Secretary of Transportation, should they find the two-crew requirement particularly burdensome. However, such a waiver must convincingly demonstrate that safety will not be compromised.
The legislation is clear about the types of hazardous materials that make a train high-hazard. For instance, if a train carries 20 or more tank cars of flammable liquid, even a single tank car of toxic inhalation material, or several other combinations of dangerous goods, it’s classified as high-hazard. Consequently, this classification ensures that trains carrying these materials will always have a minimum of two crew members for enhanced oversight and safety.
The bill also provides a specific definition for main line tracks, which typically see heavy freight traffic, exceeding five million gross tons annually, and allow freight trains to run at speeds over 25 miles per hour. These criteria help delineate where the rules apply most stringently, ensuring high-use, high-speed tracks get the most oversight.
The act includes a clause that preserves the existing authority of the Secretary of Transportation, meaning that its introduction does not strip away any other regulatory power the secretary might have.
For the average citizen, this bill aims to bolster safety across communities intersected by railway lines. With more personnel on each train, there is a reduced risk of accidents, which could involve hazardous materials causing widespread harm. The added safety measures might also contribute to fewer train-related delays, benefiting those who live near railroads and use rail transport services.
On the economic side, rail operators may see an increase in labor costs due to the need to hire additional certified conductors and engineers. These costs could be passed down the line, affecting prices for goods transported by rail. However, the emphasis on safety could prevent costly accidents, and therefore, in the long run, may prove economically beneficial for the rail industry.
As the Safe Freight Act of 2024 has only been introduced to the House, it still has several legislative stages to pass through. It must first be reviewed by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. If it passes committee scrutiny, it will move on to the wider House for a vote. Should it pass the House, it will then go to the Senate. If both chambers of Congress approve the bill, it will be presented to the President for signing into law.
In summary, the Safe Freight Act of 2024 is a significant piece of legislation aiming to enhance the safety and reliability of the nation’s freight rail system. By mandating two-person crews for most freight trains, it seeks to reduce accidents and improve response times to potential issues. The bill carefully crafts its requirements and exceptions to balance safety with operational flexibility and economic considerations, marking a thoughtful step forward in rail safety regulation.
