# Procedures to Expedite Resolution of Rate Challenges to be Considered Under the Stand-Alone Cost Methodology
> **Surface Transportation Board** · Final rules and request for comments. · Published 2003-04-09 · Effective 2003-05-09 · 68 FR 17312
## Document
- **Document number:** 03-8645
- **Category:** rail-rate
- **Sub-agency:** Surface Transportation Board
- **Federal Register citation:** 68 FR 17312
- **CFR reference:** 49 CFR 1109
- **Publication date:** 2003-04-09
- **Effective date:** 2003-05-09
- **DOT docket:** STB Ex Parte No. 638
## Abstract

The Board amends its regulations to expedite the resolution of rail rate challenges considered under the stand-alone cost (SAC) methodology. The revisions institute a requirement for mandatory, non- binding post-complaint mediation between the shipper and railroad under Board auspices, and establish expedited processes, using Board staff, for resolving discovery and evidentiary disputes. The Board also requests comments on the following discovery-related issues: developing a list of standard information that should be routinely made available in discovery; limiting the number of discovery requests available to the parties; limiting the number of years of data for which discovery responses would be required, and establishing a cut-off date for updating discovery responses; and cost-sharing for production of discovery responses.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2003/04/09/03-8645/procedures-to-expedite-resolution-of-rate-challenges-to-be-considered-under-the-stand-alone-cost)
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