The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (“NSSGA”) respectfully submits its comments in the above-captioned proceeding in accordance with the Surface Transportation Board (“STB” or “Board”) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) served on January 7, 2026. The NPRM proposes to repeal the Board's regulations at 49 C.F.R. Part 1144, which implement its statutory authority to prescribe reciprocal switching agreements, through routes, and through rates. NSSGA thanks the Board for this opportunity to voice its strong support for the proposed repeal, which will remove regulatory barriers that prevent competitive access to rail. A repeal will align the Board's approach with Congress’s original intent under 49 U.S.C. § 11102(c) and 49 U.S.C. § 10101. Repeal is necessary – and necessary now – in part because the rail industry has changed fundamentally since these and related regulations first were implemented. In addition to persistent service failures known to all rail shippers, this includes the implementation