About AAR Circular Letters
Circular letter summaries are produced monthly by Greenbrier’s Regulatory Management team, a division of Greenbrier Management Services Group.
AAR circular letters provide information of general applicability to the railroad industry, including proposed and final rules, revisions, standards and recommended practices, and calls for comments. These summaries provide the main points of circular letters issued in the prior month, as well as important implementation deadlines.
For access to the complete circular letter, please go to my.aar.org/circulars. Circular letters are a fee-based service provided by the AAR’s Transportation Technology Center Incorporated (TTCI). You may subscribe online at publications@aar.com or call 719.584.0538.
Implementation Circulars
C-13527
Implementation of Revised MSRP, Section F – Sensors
Issued: April 10, 2020
Effective: April 10, 2020
A new edition of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section F, Sensors has been released. The manual can be purchased online at: www.aarpublications.com.
C-13531
Implementation of Revised AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices Section N, Multi-Level Manual.
Issued: April 14, 2020
Effective: April 14, 2020
A new edition of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section N, Multi-Level Manual has been released. The manual can be purchased online at: www.aarpublications.com.
CPC-1362
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section C-III, Specification for Tank Cars (M-1002), Appendix B – Certification of Tank Car Facilities (Docket T91.2.4)
Issued: April 14, 2020
Effective: April 14, 2020
AAR CPC-1354 published 12/20/2019 was the implementation of Appendix B of M-1002. A part of that release eliminated the mandatory requirement for AAR M-1002/M-1003 certification to service equipment category C or F (for activity codes C4a, C4m, and C5).
Since the release of CPC-1354, the AAR received multiple requests that facilities be provided the ability to obtain and maintain M-1003 and M-1002 certification on a voluntary basis for these categories.
It should be noted that if a facility elects to obtain and maintain certification on a voluntary basis, the requirements of Appendix B apply, as if mandatory.
At the January 2020 meeting, the AAR TCC approved to add these service equipment categories and activity codes back to Appendix B as voluntary. As such, AAR has issued a final action to Appendix B of the AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section C, Part III, Specifications for Tank Cars (M-1002). The revisions, attached to the circular, are identified by change bars in the margins of the document.
This circular reflects the final action on this matter and is in effect as of the publication date of this circular.
C-13532
Implementation of Retirement of MSRP Section E, Standard S-4022 – PIPE, OTHER THAN SCHEDULE 80 IRON
Issued: April 16, 2020
Effective: April 16, 2020
The Brake Systems Committee (BSC) and the Equipment Engineering Committee (EEC) have verified through the American Railway Car Institute (ARCI) that there are no cars in service with this type of equipment and determined that the equipment is not needed for current or future builds. Therefore, effective immediately, S-4022 is retired. Please remove the Standard from Section E and be governed accordingly.
CPC-1356
Nozzle Inspection of Certain ARI-Built General Service Tank Cars
Issued: April 16, 2020
Effective: April 16, 2020
Certain ARI-built general service tank cars require nozzle weld inspection and if necessary, repair. The subject cars were built by ARI-Marmaduke between November 2012 and September 2013. The cars subject to this maintenance advisory have not exhibited commodity leaks or weld failures in service.
The tank cars are to be inspected at the next shopping opportunity, when clean, and in a facility capable of making the inspection and repair. Inspection must be performed no later than the car’s next qualification. Report cars that have been inspected and repaired to the car owner and close the inspection in the EW/MA system.
A comprehensive list of subject cars is attached to the circular.
C-13536
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section D, TRUCKS AND TRUCK DETAILS, Specification M-976 Truck Performance for Rail Cars, and Section C Part II, Specification M-1001 Chapter 11. Addition of Traction Ratio Test and Associated Edits.
Issued: April 20, 2020
Effective: April 20, 2020
Specification M-976 and Specification M-1001 Chapter 11 are now implemented and effective immediately.
Changes to M-976 include:
- The curve and tangent rolling resistance test have been replaced with the “Traction Ratio” test.
- The “Percent Improvement” method (relative to a reference truck) has been incorporated.
- Use of the AAR 2A Wide Flange wheel profile on all tests.
- Addition of Appendix A to describe the reference truck.
Changes to M-1001 Chapter 11 include:
- Use of the AAR 2A Wide Flange wheel profile on all tests (and removal of the “KR” Wheel profile).
- A wear limit on the 2A Wide Flange wheel profile.
These modifications will be incorporated into the next issues of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section D and Section C Part II. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
C-13535
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP, Section M, LOCOMOTIVES AND LOCOMOTIVE INTERCHANGE EQUIPMENT: Standard S-5018 – DYNAMIC BRAKING CONTROL
Issued: April 20, 2020
Effective: April 20, 2020
S-5018 has been revised as follows:
- Updated the term “max grid current” for consistency within the standard.
- Added new paragraph 3.4.2 – to explain the reasoning for NOT utilizing DBI.
- Labeled the current Taper Control diagrams to reflect DC locomotives.
A copy of the revised S-5018 is attached to the circular. The revised S-5018 standard will be reflected in the next issue of Section M. In the interim, please insert the circular into your copy of MSRP Section M and be governed accordingly.
C-13533
Implementation of Editorial Revisions to MSRP Section M, Locomotives and Locomotive Interchange Equipment, S-580, Locomotive Crashworthiness Requirements
Issued: April 20, 2020
Effective: April 20, 2020
The purpose of this circular letter is to notify the industry of the editorial revision to Section M, Locomotives and Locomotive Interchange Equipment, S-580, where the title of paragraph 6.1 has been hyphenated and updated to read as “Anti-climbers.” The previous version omitted the hyphen and was inconsistent with the Code of Federal Regulations and other occurrences within S-580.
S-580, attached to the circular, is implemented and effective immediately. The revised S-580 standard will be incorporated into the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section M. In the interim, please insert the circular into your copy of MSRP Section M and be governed accordingly.
C-13549
IMPLEMENTED. AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section K-III Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging, Standard S-9203A.V1.1
Issued: April 27, 2020
Effective: April 27, 2020
Standard S-9203A.V1.1 contains information about the AEI Site-to-Host consist report format developed by cooperating railroads and vendors, otherwise known as “T-94” format. Standard contains the current format, segments and definitions as implemented by the AEI Users Group. S-9203A.V1.1, attached to the circular, is implemented and effective immediately. The revised S-9203A.V1.1will be incorporated into the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section K-III. In the interim, please insert the circular into your copy of MSRP Section K-III and be governed accordingly.
C-13547
IMPLEMENTED. AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section K-III Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging, Standard S-9203.V1.1
Issued: April 27, 2020
Effective: April 27, 2020
This document describes a reflected energy system in which sensing equipment shall decode radio waves reflected by a tag mounted on equipment used in the transportation industry. The reflected radio waves shall indicate the identification code of the equipment as well as other information. The revised S-9203.V1.1 will be incorporated into the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section K-III. In the interim, please insert the circular into your copy of MSRP Section K-III and be governed accordingly.
Call for Comment
C-13530
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to CRB Data Exchange Error Codes 2E-2H
Issued: April 10, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
Railinc’s Car Repair Billing (CRB) Data Exchange (DX) error codes 2E through 2H will become “Mandatory Reject” following the July 2020 run of the CRB DX. A table containing items, edits and DX error types is included in the circular. It is recommended that this information be shared with all Car Repair Billing and IT personnel in your company that work with or are responsible for Car Repair Invoices submitted to and/or received from Railinc’s Data Exchange.
C-13534
Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Revisions to MSRP, Section M, LOCOMOTIVES AND LOCOMOTIVE INTERCHANGE EQUIPMENT: S-591 Locomotive System Integration Operating Display
Issued: April 20, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The revised Standard S-591 is attached to the circular. Specific details of the proposed revisions are highlighted with change bars in the attached file.
C-13538
Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Additions to MSRP, Section F – Sensors: Standard S-6102, Wayside Passing Data Format
Issued: April 21, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The revised draft Standard S-6102 is attached to the circular. Specific details of the proposed additions are highlighted with change bars in the attached file.
C-13540
Solicitation of Comments to Archive Figures 5-A, 5-B, 12-A, 14, and 55 – Section 5 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 23, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee would like to archive several figures as they are no longer used for load preparation. A table is included in the circular which details the LR number, figure number, and reason to archive.
C-13541
Solicitation of Comments to Archive Figure 280: PIPE, STEEL, BARE, COATED, OR WRAPPED, 14 IN. TO 72 IN. O.D., 80 FT. LONG, SINGLE PILE, DOUBLE-END OVERHANG-FLATCARS – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 23, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee would like to archive this figure as it is no longer used for load preparation.
C-13539
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section S, CASTING DETAILS, Specification M-220, Casting Component Nondestructive Testing Requirements, Regarding Updates to Inspection Requirements
Issued: April 23, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The proposal includes updates to inspection requirements for knuckles, bolsters, and side frames, including:
- Magnetic particle size changed to 80 micron or finer.
- Reduced the number of yoke placements for side frames in Figure C.3.
- Clarified cleaning requirements of paragraph 5.1.2 in Appendixes B and C.
Specific details of the proposed revisions are highlighted with change bars in the attached file.
C-13546
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 3 and 4, 4-Pressure Testing
Issued: April 24, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The revision proposes to allow the retrofit of all necessary equipment to perform “4-pressure testing.” Specific details of the proposed revisions are provided in a file attached to the circular.
C-13543
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 126.D, Accident Reports Prepared by Transportation Department
Issued: Issued: April 24, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The revision proposes to remove Field Manual Rule 126.D. Specific details of the proposed revisions are provided in the circular.
C-13542
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 41.A, Southern Wheels
Issued: Issued: April 24, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The revision proposes to stamp all CJ-33 wheels with the identification SO. Specific details of the proposed revisions are provided in the circular.
C-13544
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 41.A.3, Wheels
Issued: April 24, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The proposal includes a new rule to replace wheels at the same truck location for why made code 61 and a definition for “Intermodal Loading Ramp.” Specific details of the proposed revisions are provided in the circular as well as a cost savings analysis.
C-13548
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 70, 92 and 95
Issued: April 27, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The revision proposes to reformat Field Manual Rule 70 and revise Field Manual Rules 92 and 95. Specific details of the proposed revisions are provided in the circular.
C-13551
DRAFT Standard S-9373.V1.0 – WSRS Requirements, is Available for Review and Comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP, Section K-IV, Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging
Issued: April 28, 2020
Effective: 7 days for comment
This document describes the set of inter-operational requirements for Wayside Status Relay Service (WSRS). WSRS is a separate application independent from ITCM. The interoperable purpose of WSRS is to relay WIU Status Messages (WSMs) to locomotives that are unable to receive WIU Status Messages (WSMs) directly from the WIU.
SharePoint access can be found at www.railinc.com.
C-13550
DRAFT Standard S-9361.V3.0 – Positive Train Control Office-Locomotive Segment-Interface Control Document (ICD), is Available for Review and Comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP, Section K-IV, Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging
Issued: April 28, 2020
Effective: 7 days for comment
The document contains a proposal for messages passed between the Positive Train Control (PTC) Office Segment and the Locomotive Segment, and messages passed between the Wayside Status Relay Service (WSRS) and the Locomotive Segment.
SharePoint access can be found at www.railinc.com.
Notice of Circulars
C-13529
Informational Circular, New CRB Data Exchange Error Code 5Y
Issued: April 10, 2020
Effective: July 2020
At the March 2020 meeting of the Car Repair Billing (CRB) Committee, a proposal to add informational error code 5Y to the CRB Data Exchange (DX) and CRB Procedures Manual was reviewed and approved. Error code 5Y will take Component ID (CID) data submitted to the CRB DX and run a validation against the Umler Component Registry. The validation will check that a CID billed as a purchased core wheel set must be registered in Component Registry as a purchased core wheel set.
The edit will be implemented as informational following the July 2020 run of the CRB Data Exchange. A table containing items, edits and DX error types is included in the circular. It is recommended that this information be shared with all Car Repair Billing and IT personnel in your company that work with or are responsible for Car Repair Invoices submitted to and/or received from Railinc’s Data Exchange.
C-13528
Reminder Circular, Changes to CRB Data Exchange and CRB Procedures Manual Effective July 2020 – Revised April 14, 2020
Issued: April 14, 2020
Effective: July 2020
This Circular Letter was originally published on April 10, 2020. That version omitted a change to error code 1L due to the addition of “H” machine priceable indicator. Error code 1L is now included in the list of changed error codes (a table is included in the circular). It is recommended that this information be shared with all Car Repair Billing and IT personnel in your company that work with or are responsible for Car Repair Invoices submitted to and/or received from Railinc’s Data Exchange.
CPC-1365
Notification on Updates to the AAR Online Application System to Allow Existing Certified M-1003 Facilities, Not Certified to M-1002, To Apply for Initial M-1002 Certification (Docket T91.2.4)
Issued: April 14, 2020
Effective: April 14, 2020
The purpose of this CPC is to notify existing M-1003 certified facilities, not certified to Appendix B of M-1002, to apply for initial M-1002 certification through the AAR online application system. There is a tab within the M-1003 certified facility profile titled Certification Options. The certified M-1003 facility will select the link to apply for initial M-1002 certification.
CPC-1364
Notification to Industry on Updated AAR M-1002 Exhibit T-1 Transition M-1002 Appendix B Certification Element Form
Issued: April 14, 2020
Effective: April 14, 2020
The purpose of this CPC is to notify the industry that an updated M-1002 Exhibit T-1 form is available for use. This updated form reflects the final action published within CPC-1362. CPC-1351 remains in effect including the instructions and requirements regarding the Exhibit T-1 form. The Exhibit T-1 Version 2.0 form (attached to the circular) supersedes Exhibit T-1 Version 1.0 form published in CPC-1355.
CPC-1363
Notification to Industry on Updated AAR M-1002 Exhibit B-1 and Exhibit B-3a form
Issued: April 14, 2020
Effective: April 14, 2020
The purpose of this CPC is to notify the industry that AAR has updated the M-1002 Exhibit B-1 and Exhibit B-3a. These updated forms (attached to the circular) reflect the final action published within CPC-1362.
C-13537
Announcement – Early Warning System Rewrite & Car Repair Rates Webinars
Issued: April 21, 2020
Effective: Various Dates
The AAR will be hosting webinars to replace the cancelled Town Hall Meeting.
The Car Repair Rates Webinar will be held on Friday May 1, 2020 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm EST.
Agenda includes:
- Car Repair Rates Update
- Final Details and Implementation Schedule
- What Companies Need to Know to Participate
The Early Warning System Rewrite Webinar will be held on Thursday May 28, 2020 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm EST.
Preliminary Agenda includes:
- Early Warning System Rewrite
- Changing from a Notice Based System to a Car Based System
- Simplification of Severity Codes
- Rule 125 Revisions
- XML Messaging to Replace TRAINII Messaging
If you are interested in attending, please indicate which webinar you are interested in and email to Nichole Fimple at: nfimple@aar.org
C-13545 and CPC-1366
Restart of AAR Inspections and Audits
Issued: April 24, 2020
Effective: April 24, 2020
The postponement of AAR facility audits and inspections due to the COVID-19 has ended.
AAR plans to carefully restart audits and inspections. Depending on the requirements of the AAR rule or standard being followed, AAR auditors and inspectors will soon be conducting unannounced inspections or planned audits. This applies to all AAR audit and inspection activities, including Quality Assurance M-1003, Tank Car M-1002, Mechanical Inspections, DPLS Quality Reviews, and other Technical Inspections and Audits.
During the conduct of the AAR audit or inspection, the following precautionary steps will be taken:
- Social distancing 6-foot guidelines will be followed.
- For opening and closing meetings the meeting room or space will be limited to the number of attendees that comply with social distancing.
- When situations arise where significant background noise makes 6-foot spacing difficult for communication, the auditor and facility staff will move to a quieter location.
- Social distancing must also be followed for meals or breaks.
- AAR auditors and inspectors will follow facility safety guidelines and CDC recommendations.
- Hands will be washed often as recommended by COVID-19 guidelines.
The AAR will continue to re-evaluate the situation. As stated in the previous circular letters, AAR will not remove anyone’s certification due to the delay of audits due to the COVID-19 virus, and M-1003 certified facilities can continue to refer to the M-1003 online registry for certification status.
C-13552
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 103
Issued: April 29, 2020
Effective: April 29, 2020
The revision proposes changes to Office Manual Rule 103.A.1.and 103.B.9.e. Specific details of the proposed revisions are provided in the circular and will be included in the July 2020 release of the Office Manual.
Greenbrier’s response to COVID-19
As this challenging time continues, Greenbrier would like to provide an update on operations and our continued dedication to our customers, employees, and communities. As rail workers and contractors are designated “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers”, Greenbrier’s manufacturing and repair facilities are fully operational. Our office teams are available as well, though most are working remotely. We encourage you to contact your Greenbrier representative if you have any questions or concerns—we are here for you.
For more information, visit our webpage that details Greenbrier’s response to COVID-19.
Greenbrier’s Regulatory Services Group
Peace of mind for your business.
The Regulatory Management Group, led by James Rader, provides regulatory, engineering, process consulting and advocacy support to the railcar repair industry and the petrochemical rail shipper community.
- ASNT Level III Subscription Services
- DOT Compliance Assessments (Corporate and Plant)
- DOT Hazardous Materials Training (Corporate and Plant)
- Expert Witness Services in Rail-Related Litigation
- Federal Government Claims Mitigation (e.g. FRA and PHMSA)
- Nondestructive Testing Programs
- Quality Assurance Program Development
- Regulatory Counsel and Policy Advocacy
- Railcar Repair Management (Design Review, Drawings, Engineering and AAR Approval Administration)
- Tank Car Reliability and Maintenance Programs (49 CFR Subpart F of Part 180)
- Tank Car Maintenance Data Collection and Reliability Performance Analysis
- Welding Program Development
For inquiries about these summaries or any of our services, please reach out to: regulatoryservices@gbrx.com
About Greenbrier Management Services (GMS)
Greenbrier Management Services (GMS) is North America’s most comprehensive railcar management solutions provider. GMS manages nearly 400,000 railcars and has invested over 20 years in developing technology, processes, and people to provide the best railcar management products and services in the industry. GMS is powered by proprietary software and the best subject matter experts in the railcar business.
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Combined, these two vitally important capabilities are able to deliver world-class solutions to every type of customer, from Class I railroads, lessors and industrial shippers to financial investors. GMS brings broad expertise to cover nearly any railcar management need that customers may have and its integrated solutions and reporting can be customized for any customer function or management need.