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-14057
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section T INTEROPERABLE FUEL TENDERS FOR LOCOMOTIVES, Specification M-1004, SPECIFICATION FOR FUEL TENDERS
Issued: November 9, 2022
Effective: November 9, 2022
Revised specification M-1004, attached to the circular, is implemented and effective immediately. This modification will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section T. Please update your library and be governed accordingly
C-14058
Implementation of Revision to Figure 35: Panel Products, Uncoated, 6 Ft. Long and Over on Bulkhead Flatcars – Section 5 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 11, 2022
Effective: November 11, 2022
The implementation of revisions to Section 5 OTLR manual for Figure 35 (attached to the circular) is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachments and be governed accordingly.
C-14059
Implementation of Revisions to General Rules 5, 11, 16, and 17 – Section 1 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 11, 2022
Effective: November 11, 2022
The implementation of revisions to Section 1 OTLR manual for General Rules 5, 11, 16, and 17 (attached to the circular) is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachments and be governed accordingly.
C-14060
Implementation of Revisions to Appendix A, Appendix D, Appendix E and Glossary – Section 1 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 11, 2022
Effective: November 11, 2022
The implementation of revisions to Section 1 OTLR manual for Appendix A, Appendix D, Appendix E and Glossary (attached to the circular) is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachments and be governed accordingly.
C-14067
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section C-II: DESIGN, FABRICATION, AND CONSTRUCTION OF FREIGHT CARS, M-1001, Appendix C Specification for Instrumented Wheel Sets
Issued: November 17, 2022
Effective: November 17, 2022.
Revised Specification M-1001 Appendix C, attached to the circular, is now implemented and effective immediately. The modification will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section C-II. In the interim, insert the circular attachments and be governed accordingly.
C-14064
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 105-C, 106-C, 109 and 120 – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 17, 2022
Effective: November 17, 2022
The implementation of revisions to Section 2 is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachments for Figures 105-C, 106-C, 109 and 120 in your Section 2 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-14065
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 29-D, 29-G, 29-H, 29-J, 29-K, 29-L, and 29-M – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 17, 2022
Effective: November 17, 2022
The implementation of revisions to Section 2 is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachments for Figures 29-D, 29-G, 29-H, 29-J, 29-K, 29-L, and 29-M in your Section 2 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-14066
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 14, 14-A and 34-A – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 17, 2022
Effective: November 17, 2022
The implementation of revisions to Section 2 is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachments for Figures 14, 14-A and 34-A into your Section 2 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.
Call for Comment
CPC-1403
Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Revisions to MSRP Section C-III, Specification for Tank Cars (M-1002), Appendix B
Issued: November 1, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The Tank Car Committee (TCC) is requesting comments on the proposed revisions to Appendix B of AAR MSRP C-III, Specifications for Tank Cars (M-1002).
Proposed Revision Summary
- Updated 4.0 Administrative paragraphs and 4.5 Adverse Audit Finding Reports and Facility Response paragraphs by providing the requirements directly into Appendix B instead of referencing M-1003 Chapter 3
- Updated activity code B89 and RLJ to permit the use of a test weldment / fixture in lieu of a tank car
- Updated Denial or Withdrawal of Certification requirements
The proposal is attached to the circular.
CPC-1404
Solicitation of Comments to Pamphlet 34 Recommended Methods for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Non-Pressure (General Service) and Pressure Tank Cars
Issued: November 2, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the request of the Haz Mat (BOE) Committee, Pamphlet 34 has been reviewed and changes made to bring it in line with current best industry practices. The objective of the pamphlet is to promote the safe loading, unloading, and preparation for transportation of tank cars. The proposal is attached to the circular.
C-14049
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 77 and 88 and Office Manual Appendix B
Issued: November 2, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposed revisions of Field Manual Rules 77 (Door and Door parts), 88 (Mechanical Requirements for Acceptance), and Office Manual Appendix B Rule 4.A.2 (Standard Procedures for Operating and Billing Maintenance Pols for Boxcars Used in Transporting Various Commodities with or without the Use of Bulkheads from Loading Points) are attached to the circular.
C-14048
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 47.B
Issued: November 2, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposed revision of Field Manual Rule 47.B (Truck Bolsters – Correct Repairs) is attached to the circular.
C-14050
Solicitation of Comments: Revisions to MSRP F, Sensors, S-6101, Detector Calibration and Validation Requirements | WILD Validation Plan
Issued: November 4, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The purpose of the circular is to solicit comments from the industry regarding the proposed action to archive the Wheel Impact Load Detector (WILD) Validation Plan, (Section 8.0-8.8.2), (“the plan”) published in the Manual of Standards & Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section F, S-6101. Based upon a series of field tests, the AAR’s Equipment Health Monitoring Committee (EHMC) no longer believes that the plan is fully suitable for WILD detector validation as it is currently written, and has moved to archive it until further research and tests can be undertaken to inform modifications.
C-14056
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 16, 17, 18 and 83
Issued: November 7, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposed revisions of Field Manual Rules 16 (Couplers, Type E and Parts), 17 (Couplers Type E/F and parts), 18 (Couplers, Type F and parts), and 83 ((Preparation of Original Record of repair and Billing Repair Data) are attached to the circular. The revisions include updates to Figures, clarification on area AA extending inside the coupler mouth, phasing out of Grade C components and general clean up.
C-14055
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 21
Issued: November 7, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
A new Group S is being added to capture the Miner TF-5450 draft gear that has been in service since 2014. Groups A, B, C, D, E, H, L, N, and Q are being removed. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-14054
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 1, 81, 88, 95 and Appendix A
Issued: November 7, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposed revisions of Field Manual Rules 1 (Care of Freight Cars), 81 (Tank and tank Car repairs), 88 (Mechanical requirements for Acceptance), 95 (Handling and/or Delivering Line Responsibility) and Appendix A (Definitions) are attached to the circular.
C-14053
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 46, 47, 48 and 75
Issued: November 7, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposed revisions to Field Manual Rules 46 (Truck Systems Performance), 47 (Truck Bolsters), 48 (Truck Side Frames, Transoms and Spring Planks and 75 (Miscellaneous Labor) are attached to the circular.
C-14052
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 72 and 75
Issued: November 7, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposed revisions to Field Manual Rules 72 (Manufactured Material) and 75 (Miscellaneous Labor) are attached to the circular.
C-14051
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 53
Issued: November 7, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposed revision to Field Manual Rules 53 (Running Boards – Dome Platforms – Brake Steps – Cross Platforms) is attached to the circular.
C-14062
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 41, Unheattreated Wheels
Issued: November 15, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The revision of Field Manual Rule 41 proposes to make all unheattreated (NHT) wheels “for removal only.” The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-14063
Solicitation of Comments to edit the figures by adding the minimum product length in Figures 129 and 129-A – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 17, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposed revisions to the figures are attached to the circular.
C-14068
Solicitation of Comments: Revisions to MSRP F, Sensors, S-920, Component Identification Bar Code Standard – Appendix D Coupler Body Data Glossary
Issued: November 17, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
AAR’s Component Tracking Taskforce (CTTF) and the Equipment Health Monitoring Committee (EHMC) recently approved a proposal by the Coupling Systems & Truck Castings Committee to modify the subject section as it relates to coupler bar data elements to identify Grade C couplers that have been upgraded to Grade E properties.
The proposed change includes the addition of a new element (C616) to the coupler bar data glossary to indicate whether or not a C to E conversion tag was applied or present.
The proposed change also includes a modification to data element (C615) to the coupler bar data glossary to indicate “RG” markings applied, referencing requirements outlined in M-212.
The draft containing the revisions is attached to the circular.
Notice of Circulars
C-14061
Informational Circular, Car Owner Access to MD-11 Reports, Why Made Code 91
Issued: November 14, 2022
Effective: November 14, 2022
Per Field Manual Rule 36.E.13, all wheel sets removed for Why Made Code 91 – Acoustic Bearing Detector Level-1, non-verified, require the submission of an MD-11 report to www.railinc.com.
Railinc has completed development and implemented code changes which allow car owners to access to the MD-11/WM91 reports for cars they own.
A list of all cars with an MD-11/WM91 report will be visible and downloadable to the car owner. When all activities associated with an MD-11/WM91 report have been completed, the details of that report will be available to the car owner.
Instructions on how to gain access to www.railinc.com and the MD-11/WM91 reports are attached to the circular.
C-14069
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field and Office Manuals, Appendix H References
Issued: November 22, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the September 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Field and Office Manuals to remove references to Appendix H since the official list of Running Repair Agents is located in FindUs.Rail, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
C-14070
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 1
Issued: November 27, 2022
Effective: November 27, 2022
At the September and October 2022 meetings of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal was advanced to review Rule 1 and the 50-mile radius in relation to switching districts was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
C-14078
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 4, 73, 74, 75, 79, 80 and 82
Issued: November 28, 2022
Effective: November 28, 2022
At the September 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Field Manual Rules 4, 71, 73, 74, 75, 79 and 80 to properly identify the use “car part code”, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
C-14077
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 69 and Appendix A
Issued: November 28, 2022
Effective: November 28, 2022
At the September 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 69 and Appendix A, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
C-14076
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 64
Issued: November 28, 2022
Effective: November 28, 2022
At the September 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 64 Job Code 4928 to “for removal only” since the Open Top Loading Manual, Item 22.4.4 in Section 1 does not allow the replacement (use) of metal edge protectors, only plastic, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
C-14075
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 41, Flange Chip
Issued: November 28, 2022
Effective: November 28, 2022
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the WABL Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 41, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
C-14074
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 41.B Correct Repair Chart Group G
Issued: November 28, 2022
Effective: November 28, 2022
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the WABL Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 41 to add Vyksa 2005 H-36 wheels to the Group G Obsolete list, was reviewed and approved. Vyksa 2005 H-36 wheels were added for removal at the wheel shop in 2011. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
C-14073
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 37.A.1
Issued: November 28, 2022
Effective: November 28, 2022
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the WABL Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 37.A.1.c to provide clarification, was reviewed and approved. The intent of Rule 37.A.1.c is to perform a visual inspection when inspecting an adapter on a truck that is jacked. If something is questionable, then drop the adapter and gage it. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
C-14072
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 36
Issued: November 28, 2022
Effective: November 28, 2022
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the WABL Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 36 to add Certificate 8 in the Group B4 Table, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
C-14071
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 5 and 6
Issued: November 28, 2022
Effective: November 28, 2022
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Brake Systems Committee to revise Field Manual Rules 5 and 6 to provide guidance to carshop personnel on the proper handling of Jumper Hoses, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
C-14083
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 3 and 5, and Office Manual Rule 112
Issued: November 29, 2022
Effective: November 29, 2022
At the September 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Field Manual Rules 3 and 5, and Office Manual Rule 112, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
C-14082
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 4.A.3.a
Issued: November 29, 2022
Effective: November 29, 2022
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Brake Systems Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 4.A.3 to provide clarification, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
C-14081
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Appendix B, Chock Replacement Guidelines
Issued: November 29, 2022
Effective: November 29, 2022
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the SEFC Committee to revise Field Manual Appendix B to add chock sunset dates, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
C-14080
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field and Office Manuals, Appendix A
Issued: November 29, 2022
Effective: November 29, 2022
At the September 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Field and Office Manuals Appendix A, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
C-14079
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 83, Car Part Codes
Issued: November 29, 2022
Effective: November 29, 2022
At the September 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 83, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2023 Field and Office Manuals.
Upcoming Event
MARS Winter Meeting
January 17 – 19, 2023
Greenbrier is a proud sponsor and exhibitor at the MARS Winter Meeting the Westin Chicago in Lombard, IL. Featured speaker: Lorie Tekorius, Greenbrier’s CEO and President.
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.
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- 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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