Daniel R. Elliott

Daniel R. Elliott was presidentially appointed and Senate confirmed to two terms in 2009 and 2015 on the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), an independent economic regulator of the freight railroad industry, and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate both times.  He was designated by the President to be Chairman for both of these terms until January 2017.

As Chairman, Mr. Elliott became an authority in economic regulatory matters handled before the STB, in Congress and through the courts. He was responsible for decisions at the agency regarding complex rulemakings, demurrage, rate cases, preemption issues, declaratory order proceedings, mergers, and major rail construction cases. Another part of his job included constant interaction with Congress, especially the committees with oversight over STB activities, including testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on several occasions.

Now, Mr. Elliott mainly handles rail transportation regulatory and contract matters for railroad shippers, commuter authorities, short line railroads, ports, warehouses, and terminals.  He brings unique insights to any issue he faces because of his understanding of how federal agencies work and his relationships throughout the government and the rail world.

Prior to assuming his leadership role in the federal government, Mr. Elliott handled rail labor and regulatory matters for sixteen years before the federal courts and agencies.  He has extensive knowledge of all the unique issues that arise in the rail world.

Mr. Elliott was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and grew up in Cleveland. 

Education

• University of Michigan (B.A.)
• Ohio State College of Law (J.D.)