Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Co. v. United States
1931-11-23
Headline: Federal agency car-hire rules partly struck down: Court blocks exemption letting short-line railroads avoid two days' per diem and free coal-car returns, preserving daily rental payments to car owners and limiting relief to small lines.
Holding:
Real World Impact:
- Stops blanket exemptions letting short lines avoid some per diem car-hire payments.
- Keeps daily rental payments to car owners intact in most interchange situations.
- Pushes short lines to seek relief via rate changes or formal apportionment, not free car use.
Topics: railroad fees, freight car hire, regulatory decisions, small vs large railroads
Summary
Background
A federal agency (the Interstate Commerce Commission) held a nationwide investigation into how railroads pay for the use and detention of freight cars on other lines. Big
Opinions in this case:
Ask about this case
Ask questions about the entire case, including all opinions (majority, concurrences, dissents).
What was the Court's main decision and reasoning?
How did the dissenting opinions differ from the majority?
What are the practical implications of this ruling?