About AAR Circular Letters
Circular letter summaries are produced monthly by 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-14143
Implementation of Two (2) New MSRP, Section T Publications. T-I Interoperable Fuel Tenders for Locomotives and T-III Interchange Standards for Fuel Tender Components.
Issued: May 5, 2023
Effective: May 5, 2023
The purpose of this circular letter is to notify the industry of the initial release and availability of two (2) new publication additions to the AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section T – INTEROPERABLE FUEL TENDERS FOR LOCOMOTIVES. The standards within Section T were recently reorganized into three (3) distinct books for publication and dissemination. Formerly distributed via implementation circular letters as M-1004 Specification for Fuel Tenders along with the related standards for support component requirements, the names of the new publications and the content covered are as follows:
- T-I Interoperable Fuel Tenders for Locomotives
- T-II Interoperable Battery Tenders for Locomotives (Reserved)
- T-III Interchange Standards for Fuel Tender Components
T-I and T-III are implemented and effective immediately. T-I and T-III are now available for purchase at: www.aarpublications.com.
C-14141
Implementation of Revisions to General Rules 19, 21, 23, and Appendix D – Section 1 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 5, 2023
Effective: May 5, 2023
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Section 1 OTLR manual for General Rules 19, 21, 23 and Appendix D. The implementation of these revisions is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachments for General Rules 19, 21, 23, and Appendix D in your Section 1 copy and be governed accordingly.
Carriers are asked to ensure that copies of this circular letter are distributed to all concerned shippers and railroad personnel for their attention and guidance.
C-14144
Implementation of Revised AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices Section N, Multi-Level Manual.
Issued: May 8, 2023
Effective: May 8, 2023
The Association of American Railroads Specially Equipped Freight Car Committee has issued a new edition of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section N, Multi-Level Manual. The revised MSRP Section N is now available in both printed and download versions.
The manual can be purchased on-line at: www.aarpublications.com
The AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices Section N, Multi-Level Manual, is now implemented effective immediately. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
C-1414
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 129: Steel Pipe on Bulkhead Flatcar – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 18, 2023
Effective: May 18, 2023.
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Section 2 OTLR manual for Figure 129: Steel Pipe on Bulkhead Flatcar. The implementation of these revisions to Section 2 is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachment for Figure 129 in your copy of Section 2 and be governed accordingly.
Carriers are asked to ensure that copies of the circular letter are distributed to all concerned shippers and railroad personnel for their attention and guidance.
C-14149
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 84 and 85 and Archive Figure 83 – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 18, 2023
Effective: May 18, 2023
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Section 2 OTLR manual for Figures 83, 84 and 85. The implementation of these revisions to Section 2 is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachment for Figures 83, 84 and 85 in your copy of Section 2 and be governed accordingly.
Carriers are asked to ensure that copies of the circular letter are distributed to all concerned shippers and railroad personnel for their attention and guidance.
C-14150
Notice of Implementation to archive Figure 126: PIPE, STEEL AND WROUGHT IRON, 26 IN. O.D. OR LESS—GONDOLAS – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 18, 2023
Effective: May 18, 2023
The OTLR Committee has approved to archive Figure 126 in Section 2 of the OTLR manual. The OTLRC believes this figure is no longer used for load preparation, so there is no value in retaining the figure in the OTLR manual. These changes are effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR Manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachment for Figure 126 in your Section 2 copy and be governed accordingly.
Carriers are asked to ensure that copies of the circular letter are distributed to all concerned shippers and railroad personnel for their attention and guidance.
C-14152
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 58-A, 58-B, 58-C, and 101-A – Section 5 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 19, 2023
Effective: May 19, 2023
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Figures 58-A, 58-B, 58-C, and 101-A – Section 5 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR). The implementation of these revisions to Section 5 is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachment for Figures 58-A, 58-B, 58-C, and 101-A in your copy of Section 5 and be governed accordingly.
Carriers are asked to ensure that copies of the circular letter are distributed to all concerned shippers and railroad personnel for their attention and guidance.
C-14156
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 21-G, 78-B, and 83-A – Section 6 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 24, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Figures 21-G, 78-B, and 83-A – Section 6 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR). The implementation of these revisions to Section 6 is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachment for Figures 21-G, 78-B, and 83-A in your copy of Section 6 and be governed accordingly.
Carriers are asked to ensure that copies of the circular letter are distributed to all concerned shippers and railroad personnel for their attention and guidance.
C-14155
Implementation of a New Figure 171: Flexible Bulk Containers (Super Sacks) in Gondolas – Section 3 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 24, 2023
Effective: May 24, 2023
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved implementing the following new figure to Section 3 OTLR manual.
- LR 8.10.1 – Section 3, Fig. 171: Added this new figure, ‘FLEXIBLE BULK CONTAINERS (SUPER SACKS) IN GONDOLAS,’ to Section 3 of the AAR OTLR Manual.
The implementation of this revision is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachment for Figure 171 in your Section 3 copy and be governed accordingly.
Carriers are asked to ensure that copies of the circular letter are distributed to all concerned shippers and railroad personnel for their attention and guidance.
C-14158
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP, Section M, LOCOMOTIVES AND LOCOMOTIVE INTERCHANGE EQUIPMENT: Standard S-5018 – DYNAMIC BRAKING CONTROL
Issued: May 25, 2023
Effective: May 25, 2023
A copy of the revised S-5018 is attached to the circular for your reference. The revised S-5018 standard will be reflected in the next issue of Section M. In the interim, please insert this circular in your copy of MSRP Section M and be governed accordingly.
C-14157
Implementation of Proposed Revisions to MSRP, Section M, LOCOMOTIVES AND LOCOMOTIVE INTERCHANGE EQUIPMENT: Standard S-5020 – COLOR CODE FOR IDENTIFYING FLUIDS ON LOCOMOTIVE
Issued: May 25, 2023
Effective: May 25, 2023
The purpose of this circular letter is to notify the industry of revisions to the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP) – Section M, LOCOMOTIVE INTERCHANGE EQUIPMENT, Standard: S-5020 – COLOR CODE FOR IDENTIFYING FLUIDS ON LOCOMOTIVE. S-5020 is appended to this circular and now implemented and effective immediately. The revised S-5020 standard will be incorporated into the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section M. In the interim, please insert this circular in your copy of MSRP Section M and be governed accordingly.
Call for Comment
C-14137
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 37 M-924 Conductivity and Rule 83
Issued: May 1, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the April 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee, a proposal by the WABL Committee to revise Rule 37 to address grounding straps on adapters was reviewed and approved. The text of the proposal is included in the circular.
C-14136
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 16, 17, 18, Coupler Body Obsolete or No Longer In Production
Issued: May 1, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the April 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee, a proposal as advanced by the Coupler System and Truck Castings Committee (CSTCC) to revise Rule 18, was reviewed and approved. The text of the proposal is included in the circular.
C-14135
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 16, 17 and 18
Issued: May 1, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the April 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee, a proposal as advanced by the Coupler System and Truck Castings Committee (CSTCC) to revise Rules 16, 17 and 18, was reviewed and approved. The text of the proposal is included in the circular.
C-14134
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section S, CASTING DETAILS, Specifications M-205, M-211, and M-216, regarding component testing and approval
Issued: May 1, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The purpose of this circular letter is to solicit comments for revisions proposed to Section S, Specifications M-205, M-211, and M-216, regarding segregation of component testing and approval criteria into separate specifications. The proposal is attached to the circular. When implemented, the attached files will replace the corresponding subject specifications in their entirety.
C-14138
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 107.H, Forms and Examples
Issued: May 3, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The Arbitration and Rules Committee reviewed and approved revisions to Office Manual Rule 107 Settlement Value Worksheet and corresponding changes to the Damaged and Defective Car Tracking (DDCT) System. The revisions include the addition of an Original Cost Override function to be used when a change is required to the Original Cost populated on the Settlement Value Worksheet in DDCT. The proposal is attached to the circular.
C-14139
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 112.G, and CRB Procedures Manual, Appendix V.1
Issued: May 3, 202
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the March 2023 meeting of the Car Repair Billing Committee, a proposal was advanced by the committee to revise Office Manual Rule 112.G and CRB Procedures Manual Appendix V.1 effective July 1, 2023. The text of the proposal is included in the circular.
C-14140
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to the CRB Procedures Manual, CRBDX Error Codes & Descriptions, Error Code C
Issued: May 3, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the March 2023 meeting of the Car Repair Billing Committee, a proposal was advanced by the committee to remove “blank” as an allowable repair facility type effective January 1, 2024. The text of the proposal is included in the circular.
C-14145
Solicitation for Participants in Empty Load Device Study
Issued: May 11, 2023
Effective: N/A
The purpose of this circular letter is to solicit participants in an Empty Load Device study.
The AAR Brake Systems Committee, in concert with original equipment manufacturers of empty load devices (ELD), is studying the effects of age on rubber components inside the ELD. The study needs ELDs removed from service of all types, over the age of 10 years and not removed for cause, i.e., an otherwise operational ELD. All manufacturers have agreed to replace in kind a new, or OEM reconditioned empty load device in exchange for your in-service aged valve.
The study would like to receive a range of types and ages of empty load devices. The age of the empty load device can be deduced from the build date of the car and car repair billing records.
Interested parties that want to participate in the study should contact (please include the Circular Number in the subject line of your email. Further instructions will then be provided to selected participants): Heath Bushell, Brake Systems Committee Manager, brakes@aar.com
C-14147
DRAFT S-9501.V4.0 – Positive Train Control Data Model Definition is available for review and comment, in support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-VI, Railway Data Management and Communications
Issued: May 14, 2023
Effective: 15 days for comment.
The purpose of the PTC Data Model format is to establish a common data format between the various railroad databases to facilitate the conversion of track data for the use by positive train control applications. Links to access the proposal are included in the circular.
C-14153
Solicitation of Comments to edit Item A description, to include minimum end of car clearance requirements, to Figure 15 – Section 5 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 19, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) requests comments from the industry to edit Item A description, to include minimum end of car clearance requirements, to figure 15, Section 5 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR). The text of the proposal is included in the circular.
C-14154
Solicitation of Comments to edit the Figures 124-A, 124-B, and 124-C: Steel Pipe on Gondola Cars – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 24, 2023
Effective: May 24, 2023
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) requests comments from the industry to edit the Figures 124-A, 124-B, and 124-C: Steel Pipe on Gondola Cars – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR). Carriers are asked to ensure that copies of this circular letter are distributed to all concerned shippers and railroad personnel for their attention and guidance.
C-14165
Soliciting Participants for Inclusion in the 2024 CRB Survey Process
Issued: June 1, 2023
Notification of participation deadline: June 15, 2023.
The purpose of this circular letter is to solicit Non-Class I Railroad and Running Repair Agent participants for inclusion in the 2024 Car Repair Billing (CRB) survey process. As detailed in C-13558, issued on April 30, 2020, the CRB survey process and calculation methodology now includes these parties in addition to Class I Railroads. In order for new participants’ data to be included in the CRB labor and material calculations for 2024, each of the three individual surveys must be completed and submitted to the AAR by the deadlines identified below:
- Base Wage Rate Survey – submitted to AAR by July 31, 2023
- Overhead Study Survey – submitted to AAR by September 8, 2023
- Material Price Survey – submitted to AAR by November 10, 2023
If your company is interested in participating in the survey process, please complete the contact form (attached to the circular) and submit to the undersigned at billp@aar.org. The AAR will then reach out to the specified contacts to begin the data collection process. The deadline for notifying the AAR of your company’s intention to participate is June 15, 2023.
Notice of Circulars
C-14142
AAR Safety Alert Regarding Securement of Movable Steel Bearing Pieces on Bulkhead Flatcars
Issued: May 5, 2023
Effective: May 5, 2023
This safety alert is being issued due to non-compliance with rules established by AAR Open Top Loading Rules (OTLR) Committee concerning securement of movable steel bearing pieces on bulkhead flatcars during empty movement.
A few instances have occurred in rail yards where movable steel bearing pieces have become dislodged from positioning, due to lack of securement, on empty switch movements.
In addition, unsecured movable steel bearing pieces that become dislodged could shift and hang over the sides of the car as the car is moved through yards and other facilities. This can create a hazard in walking areas that are in close proximity.
This is in violation of General Rule 5.7.1 – Section 1 Open Top Loading Rules:
This rule states: “All attached parts or accessories of a load and returnable dunnage must be adequately secured to prevent loosening, damage, or loss in transit.”
The AAR Open Top Loading Rules (OTLR) Committee is working in conjunction with the car owner to remedy the identified securement issue.
C-14146
Announcing the 2023 NARMO Webinar Series – Registration Open Now
Issued: May 11, 2023
Effective: Conference schedule and links are included in the circular
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is pleased to announce a series of webinar sessions aimed at providing educational content. The webinars are free to attend and open to all interested parties. Mechanical repair and car repair billing personnel are especially encouraged to participate.
The AAR will be providing valuable updates to the industry and plans to hold an in-person NARMO in May 2024.
C-14164
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 108.3.b(4)
Issued: May 30, 2023
Effective: May 30, 2023
At the April 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a request for interpretation was received regarding the cleaning of cars prior to dismantling noted in Rule 108.3.b(4) and Rule 108.2.d. After discussion, a proposal was made and approved, to remove “tank” from Rule 108.3.b(4). The entire text of the revision is identified below.
Current Field Manual Rule 108.3.b(4): (see Field Manual page 715)
Proposed Field Manual Rule 108.3.b(4):
(4) Car will be dismantled under the following provisions:
(a) Owner will advise handling line estimated weights of
scrap metal, to assist in developing proper credits.
(b) Where tank cars require cleaning before dismantling, an
additional charge may be made against owner on an
actual time basis.
This change will be included in the July 1, 2023, update to the Field Manual.
C-14163
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 89.B.4
Issued: May 30, 2023
Effective: May 30, 2023
At the April 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a request to revise Rule 89.B.4 to replace references to outdated pamphlets was reviewed and approved. The text of the revision is included in the circular. This change will be included in the July 1, 2023, update to the Field Manual.
C-14161
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 16, 17 and 18, Locks
Issued: May 30, 2023
Effective: May 30, 2023
At the April 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Coupler System and Truck Castings Committee to revise Rules 16, 17 and 18 was reviewed and approved. The text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the July 1, 2023, update to the Field Manual.
C-14160
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 74
Issued: May 30, 2023
Effective: May 30, 2023
At the April 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Office Manual Rule 74 was reviewed and approved. The text of the revision is included in the circular. This change will be included in the July 1, 2023 update to the Office Manual.
C-14159
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 5
Issued: May 30, 2023
Effective: May 30, 2023
At the April 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Brake Systems Committee to revise Rule 5.B.7 was reviewed and approved. The text of the revision is included in the circular. This change will be included in the July 1, 2023, update to the Field Manual.
C-14167
Informational Circular, Canadian Car Repair Facility Labor Rate – Effective July 1, 2023
Issued: June 2, 2023
Effective: July 1, 2023
The Canadian Car Repair Billing Labor Rate calculation for July 1, 2023, is $242.22 CAD. The change will be reflected in the July 1, 2023, release of the Canadian Price Master.
C-14166
Informational Circular, Car Repair Facility Labor Rate – Effective July 1, 2023
Issued: June 2, 2023
Effective: July 1, 2023
The Car Repair Facility Labor Rate, effective July 1, 2023, is $194.23. This will be reflected in the July 1, 2023, release of the AAR Office Manual
Upcoming Event
MARS Summer Meeting
July 10 – 11, 2023
Greenbrier is a proud sponsor at the MARS in Lake Geneva, WI.
GBX Economic & Industry Update – Q2 2023
The 10th edition of “Economic & Industry Update”, a short video produced by GBX’s marketing team, featuring Mallory Moran and Jay Carter. Watch the video.
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