All-Inclusive Index Less Fuel (AII-LF)

This index provides a parallel measure of the Rail Cost Adjustment Factor (RCAF) without the influence of the fuel cost component. All of the components (Labor, M&S, etc.) used in the All-Inclusive Index Less Fuel match those of the All-Inclusive Index used to calculate the RCAF. In addition, a forecast error adjustment to the All-Inclusive Index Less Fuel is also calculated using the same methodology applied in the RCAF.

Index of Monthly Railroad Fuel Prices (MRF)

This index is a component of both the RCR and RCAF and measures changes in the price of locomotive diesel fuel purchased by freight railroads.

Railroad Cost Recovery Index (RCR)

The RCR is a price index that measures changes in the price level of inputs to railroad operations: labor, fuel, materials and supplies, and other operating expenses. The RCR, which has been produced in its current form since 1977, is published quarterly in the AAR Railroad Cost Indexes. This publication contains both quarterly and annual versions of the RCR for the United States and the east and west regions. In addition, AAR Railroad Cost Indexes contain other railroad-related indexes such as the All-Inclusive Index and the RCAF.

Rail Cost Adjustment Factor (RCAF)

The RCAF was established in response to the requirement in the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 that a quarterly cost-recovery index be created. Each quarter, the AAR submits the RCAF index to the Surface Transportation Board for approval. (Includes the RCAF-U and RCAF-A).

RCAF Quarterly Filings & Decisions

2023Q4

• AAR RCAF 2023Q4 Submission 9 5 2023
• AAR RCAF 2023Q4 Decision 9 20 2023

2023Q3

• AAR RCAF 2023Q3 Submission 6 5 2023
• STB RCAF 2023Q3 Decision 6 15 2023

2023Q2

• AAR RCAF 2023Q2 Submission 3 3 2023 (Updated)
• STB RCAF 2023Q2 Decision 3 20 2023

2023Q1

• AAR RCAF 2023Q1 Submission 12 9 2022
• STB RCAF 2023Q1 Decision 12 20 2022