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-14264
Implementation of Revision to Figure 74 – Section 5 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 8, 2023
Effective: November 8, 2023
The revision addresses longitudinal voids within the load that can result in longitudinal load shifting in transit and provides options for filling the voids (Section 1, General Rule 12. The implementation of the revision to Section 5 is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachment for Figure 74 in your copy of Section 5 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-14263
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 14, 14-A, and 43-S – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 8, 2023
Effective: November 8, 2023
The implementation updates verbiage in LR 3.5.125 – Section 2, Figure 14, LR 3.5.126 – Section 2, Figure 14-A and LR 3.10.18 – Section 2, Figure 43-S regarding Tie rod descriptions. The implementation of the revision to Section 2 is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachments into your copy of Section 2 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-14262
Implementation of Revisions to General Rules 11, 12, and 21 – Section 1 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 8, 2023
Effective: November 8, 2023
The following sections have been updated with this implementation: LR 1.11.24 – Section 1, GR 11, LR 1.12.7 – Section 1, GR 12 and LR 1.21.33 – Section 1, GR 21. The implementation of the revision for General Rules 11, 12, and 21 is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachments into your copy of Section 1 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-14266
Implementation of Revised MSRP Section C-II, Specification M-1001, DESIGN, FABRICATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF FREIGHT CARS
Issued: November 15, 2023
Effective: November 15, 2023
A new edition of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section C-II, Specification M-1001 Design, Fabrication and Construction of Freight Cars has been released and is now available in both printed and electronic versions at www.aarpublications.com. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
CPC-1418
Midland Manufacturing 720 Series Valve Modification and Replacement Extension Criteria (CPC-1335)
Issued: November 28, 2023
Effective: November 28, 2023
The Tank Car Committee (TCC) has extended the compliance date of CPC- 1335 to the end of 2028. Valves must be replaced or updated to a new design by the next qualification or next full-service shopping event where cleaning can be performed not to exceed 10 years from the date of the original CPC ( July 11, 2018).
This extension does not apply to PIH, IH, VCM and Butadiene cars.
C-14278
Implementation Circular: Revisions to MSRP F, Sensors, S-6101 – Detector Calibration and Validation Requirements – Acoustic Bearing Detector (ABD) Fault Descriptor Validation
Issued: November 28, 2023
Effective: November 28, 2023
Revisions to S-6101 include:
- Section 3.3.2 (Truck Performance Detector) – miscellaneous editorial corrections
- Section 4.0 (Acoustic Bearing Detector Fault Descriptor Validation)
- Section 4.2.1 & 4.2.2 – Editorial adjustments
- Section 4.5 – A new section that outlines a requirement for the submission of bearing inspection records for validation review. The section lists the required contents of the submission, as well as the method and file formats requested by the WABL Committee.
Modifications will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section F. The standard is attached to the circular, update your library, and be governed accordingly.
C-14277
Implementation Circular: Revisions to MSRP F, Sensors, S-6030 Wheel Performance – Dynamic Impact and Rim Thickness
Issued: November 28, 2023
Effective: November 28, 2023
Revisions to S-6030 include:
- Strike legacy item 2.2 (General Requirements) “Data Summary must be open.”
- Insert an editorial adjustment to identify the previously unlabeled table in section 4.0 as “Table 4.1.”
- Strike legacy item “Why Made Code 48” in Table 4.1, and,
- Insert text below Table 4.1 that indicates “When a wheelset meets the two conditions listed in Table 4.1, EHMS Alert ‘WILD-WPD’ will be assigned and will be considered the Window of Opportunity for the responsible party.”
Revisions to S-6030 will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section F. The standard is attached to the circular, update your library, and be governed accordingly.
C-14280
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section E, MSRP E BRAKES AND BRAKE EQUIPMENT, Specification M-602, GASKETS, AIR HOSE, updates, and additions
Issued: November 28, 2023
Effective: November 28, 2023
Revised specification M-602, attached to the circular, has been implemented and is effective immediately. The modification will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section E. Update your library, and be governed accordingly.
C-14282
Implementation Circular: Revisions to MSRP F, Sensors, S-6001 – Bearing Temperature Performance
Issued: November 29, 2023
Effective: November 29, 2023
Revisions to S-6001 include:
- A new industry trending rule for hot bearing detectors (HBD), placed as section 4.1.3.
- The combination of the rule’s components will meet A1 requirements of the AAR Field Manual Rule 36.
- Repairs will use Why Made Code 51 (WM 51) when billing.
Revisions to S-6001 will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section F. The standard is attached to the circular, update your library, and be governed accordingly.
Call for Comment
C-14253
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 17
Issued: November 2, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the September 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee, a proposal as advanced by the Copling System and Truck Castings Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 17 (Couplers Type E/F and Parts), was reviewed and approved. The proposal concerns type and application of lubricant to the coupler wear plate. The entire text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. Comments should be sent to nfimple@aar.org. All comments received will be reviewed and considered by the Arbitration and Rules Committee, with a targeted implementation date of January 1, 2024.
C-14252
Solicitation of Comments, Rewrite of Field Manual, Rule 53, Running Boards, End Platforms, Brake Steps, and Supports
Issued: November 2, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
Comment circular C-14052, issued 11/7/22, was withdrawn on 12/20/22 via circular C-14093, based on comments from the industry regarding cracks as Cause for Attention. At the September 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee, a proposal as advanced by the Equipment Engineering Committee to revise the proposed rewrite of Field Manual Rule 53 (Running Boards – Dome Platforms – Brake Steps – Cross Platforms) was reviewed and approved. The proposal is attached to the circular. Comments should be sent to nfimple@aar.org. All comments received will be reviewed and considered by the Arbitration and Rules Committee, with a targeted implementation date of January 1, 2024.
C-14251
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 59, Cushioned Underframe Devices
Issued: November 2, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the September 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee, a proposal as advanced by the Equipment Engineering Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 59 (Cushioned Underframe Devices), was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. Comments should be sent to nfimple@aar.org. All comments received will be reviewed and considered by the Arbitration and Rules Committee, with a targeted implementation date of January 1, 2024.
C-14250
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 46, Truck System Performance
Issued: November 2, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the September 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee, a proposal as advanced by the Equipment Engineering Committee to rewrite Field Manual Rule 46 (Truck System Performance), was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. Comments should be sent to nfimple@aar.org. All comments received will be reviewed and considered by the Arbitration and Rules Committee, with a targeted implementation date of January 1, 2024.
C-14249
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 21, and Various Related Rules
Issued: November 2, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the September 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee, a proposal as advanced by the Coupling System and Truck Castings Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 21 (Draft Gears, Carriers and Followers) and various related rules to standardize references to follower blocks, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. Comments should be sent to nfimple@aar.org. All comments received will be reviewed and considered by the Arbitration and Rules Committee, with a targeted implementation date of January 1, 2024.
C-14248
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 62 and 75
Issued: November 2, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the September 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee, a proposal as advanced by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Field Manual Rules 62 (Truck Side Bearings) and 75 (Miscellaneous Labor) to identify Job Codes for Constant Contact Side Bearings, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. Comments should be sent to nfimple@aar.org. All comments received will be reviewed and considered by the Arbitration and Rules Committee, with a targeted implementation date of January 1, 2024.
C-14247
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 41 and 44, Wheel Set Handling
Issued: November 2, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the September 2023 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee, a proposal as advanced by the Wheels, Axles, Bearings and Lubrication Committee to revise Field Manual Rules 41 (Wheels) and 44 (Wheel Sets), was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. Comments should be sent to nfimple@aar.org. All comments received will be reviewed and considered by the Arbitration and Rules Committee, with a targeted implementation date of January 1, 2024.
C-14260
Solicitation of Comments, New Rule 107 Cost Factor Calculation Method
Issued: November 3, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
A request was made to the AAR and the Car Repair Billing Committee to review the Rule 107 Cost Factor as it has remained flat over the last few years. The Car Repair Billing Committee reviewed the current process as well as various other options and determined the best path forward to calculate the Rule 107 Cost Factor is to utilize the Original Cost data in Umler. This data should directly reflect the actual cost of a railcar.
The new index calculation for 2023 will be reviewed by the Car Repair Billing Committee in December 2023 and will become effective January 2024 if approved.
For the calculation of the 2023 index, an Umler snapshot will be taken on December 1, 2023, allowing car owners time to update their Umler data.
For future calculations, the AAR will notify the car owners annually via Circular Letters that Umler Original Cost field will be used for annual Rule 107 Freight Car Cost Factor calculation. Car owners will have until the last business day of October to update their Umler Original Cost data. The Umler snapshot from November 1st each year will be used for cost factor calculations.
Questions and comments should be sent to billp@aar.org. All comments received will be reviewed and considered by the Arbitration and Rules Committee, with a targeted implementation date of January 1, 2024.
C-14258
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 7, 8, and 13, Low Usage Job Codes
Issued: November 3, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal concerns the removal of verbiage for several job codes (7.F, 8.F, and 13.F) due to low usage. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. Comments should be sent to billp@aar.org. All comments received will be reviewed and considered by the Arbitration and Rules Committee, with a targeted implementation date of January 1, 2024.
C-14259
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 114.3, FindUs.Rail Primary and Secondary Contacts
Issued: November 3, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal concerns contact information in FindUs.Rail for all car mark owners, subscribers, and disposition shops. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. Comments should be sent to billp@aar.org. All comments received will be reviewed and considered by the Arbitration and Rules Committee, with a targeted implementation date of January 1, 2024.
November 6, 2023
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 112.H.4, Billing Exceptions
Issued: November 6, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal includes a includes a preferred billing exceptions format for Office Manual Rule 112.H.4.b, 112.H.4.h. and 112.H.4.m.The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. Comments should be sent to billp@aar.org. All comments received will be reviewed and considered by the Arbitration and Rules Committee, with a targeted implementation date of January 1, 2024.
Note: The proposal was revised on November 15, 2023, to include two attachments: CRB Exceptions Template (XSLX) and proposed CRB Exception Layout for Procedures Manual (PDF). Both are attached to the circular.
C-14268
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section C, CAR CONSTRUCTION FUNDAMENTALS AND DETAILS, Standard S-213, Side Door and Door Frames, Boxcar – Plug Type, Revision to the water test fixture requirements
Issued: November 20, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to Paragraph 6.2.1 Water Test Fixture is to require maintaining a minimum water pressure throughout the duration of the water spray test. The draft is attached to the circular. submit comments or questions to eec@aar.com. Please include the Circular Number in the subject line of your email.
Notice of Circulars
C-14246
Car Repair Billing Data Exchange Schedule Effective January 1, 2024
Issued: November 1, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The Car Repair Billing Data Exchange (CRBDX), maintained by Railinc, is a monthly exchange of repair bills for foreign freight equipment. Repairing entities submit bills of car repairs in a proprietary format. These bills are sorted and sent to the billed party for the equipment. The data serves as detail support for paper billing documents. Selected elements of the exchanged data are retained for use in equipment failure trend analysis. The 2024 CRBDX Schedule is included in the body of the circular letter for information and use.
C-1425
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 41, Wheel Impact Load Detector Records
Issued: November 3, 2023
Effective: January 1, 2024
Office Manual Rule 41.6 has been revised. The update concerns the billing party’s responsibility to provide and maintain a printable record of detector measurements for Wheel Impact Load Detectors. The text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. The change will be included in the January 1, 2024, release of the Office Manual.
C-14257
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 114, Contact Information
Issued: November 3, 2023
Effective: January 1, 2024
Office Manual Rule 114.2 which outlines contact requirements for the reporting mark owner in FindUs.Rail, has been updated. The text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. The change will be included in the January 1, 2024, release of the Office Manual.
C-14255
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rules 103 and 107, Rack Only Incidents
Issued: November 3, 2023
Effective: January 1, 2024
The update includes verbiage that removes “Rack Only Incidents” from Office Manual Rules 103.C.16.c(4) and 107. The text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. The change will be included in the January 1, 2024, release of the Office Manual.
C-14256
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 112.H.3, Invoice Processing
Issued: November 3, 2023
Effective: January 1, 2024
Office Manual Rule 112.H.3 has been revised; editorial changes include the removal of verbiage concerning “Questionable charges.” The text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. The change will be included in the January 1, 2024, release of the Office Manual.
C-14265
Informational: Notification to Private Car Owners Regarding Generation 1 AEI Tags
Issued: November 14, 2023
Effective: November 14, 2023
AAR’s Automatic Equipment Identification Committee (AEIC) would like to raise awareness of a potential functionality issue related to older series AEI tags. Specifically, tags produced from approximately 1990 through 2006 and show either no model number or are engraved with the model number AT-5110. As time has passed, the effectiveness of the seal on this configuration has been shown to degrade on a subset of the population of these tags, allowing for the possibility of water incursion, which could interfere with the consistent performance of the tag during, or following heavy rainfall. This outreach to encourage attention is one preliminary step being taken in advance of possible changes to Field Manual Rule 63 or tag performance indicators in the Equipment Health Management System (EHMS).Questions should be directed to gdeibler@aar.org.
C-14267
2024 AAR M-1003 Quality Assurance Auditor Training Class Schedule and Registrations
Issued: C-14267
Effective: Refer to class schedule.
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) has released the schedule for 2024 AAR M-1003 Quality Assurance Training classes and 2024 QA Conference at: AAR QAC 2024 TRAINING
C-14276
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 18.B, Coupler Body Obsolete or No Longer In Production
Issued: November 27, 2023
Effective: January 1, 2024
Rule 18.B – CORRECT REPAIR CHART—ALL TYPE F COUPLERS USING VERTICAL CONNECTION PIN has been revised. The draft is attached to the circular. The change will be included in the January 1, 2024, release of the Field Manual.
C-14275
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 16, 17, 18, 47 and 48, MD Report Responsibility
Issued: November 27, 2023
Effective: January 1, 2024
The revision to Field Manual Rules 16, 17, 18, 47 and 48 concerns responsibility to submit MD reports following a derailment. The text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. The change will be included in the January 1, 2024, release of the Field Manual.
C-14273
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 120.A
Issued: November 27, 2023
Effective: January 1, 2024
The revision to Office Manual Rule 120.A concerns the addition of “loading/unloading” facilities to rules 120.A.2 and 120.A.5. The text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. The change will be included in the January 1, 2024, release of the Office Manual.
C-14271
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 4, Empty Load Device
Issued: November 27, 2023
Effective: November 27, 2023
The revision to Field Manual Rule 4 concerns Group 3 Empty Load Device Repair Instructions. The text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. The change will be included in the January 1, 2024, release of the Field Manual.
C-14270
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 16 Figure 16.2 and Rule 18 Figure 18.1
Issued: November 27, 2023
Effective: January 1, 2024
The revision to Field Manual Rule 16 Figure 16.2 and Rule 18 Figure 18.1 provides a definition of the (AA) region of the coupler for clarification. The text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. The change will be included in the January 1, 2024, release of the Field Manual.
C-14269
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 88.C.3.c(14)
Issued: November 27, 2023
Effective: January 1, 2024
The editorial revision to Field Manual Rule 88.C.3.c(14) replaces “stenciling” with “marking” The entire text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. The change will be included in the January 1, 2024, release of the Office Manual.
C-14281
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 5.B.7
Issued: November 28, 2023
Effective: January 1, 2024
The revision to Field Manual Rule 5.B.7 includes a reference figure for alternate gaskets preferred on cars with straight shank end hoses. The entire text of the revision is included in the body of the circular. The change will be included in the January 1, 2024, release of the Field Manual.
C-14279
2024 Field and Office Manuals of the AAR Interchange Rules – Preorder Available Now
Issued: November 28, 2023
Effective: November 28, 2023
The 2024 editions of the Field and Office Manuals of the AAR Interchange Rules are scheduled to be available the week of January 2, 2024. Manuals may now be preordered online at https://aarpublications.com/field-and-office-manuals.html.
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