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-13091
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section S, CASTING DETAILS, Specification M-201, Castings Steel, Regarding Flawed Tensile Specimen Procedures
Issued: April 11, 2018
Effective: April 11, 2018
Specification M-201 is now implemented and effective immediately. The updated version of M-201 is attached to the circular. This modification will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section S. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
C-13093
Implementation of Revision to MSRP Section C – Part II DESIGN, FABRICATION, AND CONSTRUCTION OF FREIGHT CARS, Specification M-1001 Chapter 6 General Design and Test Requirements – Tank Cars. Additional design guidance for tank car sill reinforcing pads
Issued: April 11, 2018x
Effective: April 11, 2018
The edit is being implemented for clarity purposes with concurrence from the Federal Railroad Administration. The revised Chapter 6, attached to the circular, is now implemented and effective immediately. This modification will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices Section C – Part II. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
C-13094
Implementation of New Figure 21-E – Section 6 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 13, 2018
Effective: April 13, 2018
Figure 21-E – BRIDGE ERECTION BOAT (BED), M30—FLATCAR, CHAIN TIE-DOWN – Section 6 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules has been updated. The implementation of this new figure 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 21-E in your copy Section 6 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-13095
Implementation of Archival of Figure 34-B– Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 13, 2018
Effective: April 13, 2018
Figure 34-B – COILSOF WIRE, 48 IN. DIAMETER OR LESS—BULKHEAD FLATCARS, WITH SLOPED FLOORS AND STEEL SIDE RAILSEXTENDING 8 IN. ABOVE CAR DECK – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules has been archived due to non-use. The implementation of this revision 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 34-B in your copy 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-13096
Implementation of Archival of Figure 117-B– Section 3 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 13, 2018
Effective: April 13, 2018
Figure 117-B – PIPE, PRESSURE, REINFORCED CONCRETE, 10 FT 4 IN. TO 11 FT 6 IN. DIAMETER, INCLUSIVE, NOMINAL 16 FT OR 20 FT LENGTHS—FLATCARS, 48 FT OR LONGER, WITH CONSTANT TENSIONING DEVICES – Section 3 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules has been archived. The implementation of this revision 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 117-B in your copy Section 3 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-13097
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 55 – Section 3 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 13, 2018
Effective: April 13, 2018
Revisions to Figure 55 – WRECKED CAR BODIES—FLATCARS OR GONDOLAS, Section 3 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules have been approved. The implementation of this revision 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 55 in your copy Section 3 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-13099
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 112-A– Section 5 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 18, 2018
Effective: April 18, 2018x
Revisions to Figure 112-A – Section 5 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules have been approved. The implementation of this revision 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 112-A in your copy 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-13100
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 154-B– Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 18, 2018
Effective: April 18, 2018
Revisions to Figure 154-B – TUBING, STEEL, SQUARES, RECTANGLES, HOLLOW STRUCTURAL, AND ROUNDS, OVER 12 FT LONG, PACKAGED—BULKHEAD FLATCARS, WITH CUSHIONING DEVICES – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules have been approved. The implementation of this revision 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 154-B in your copy 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- 13101
Implementation of Revisions to General Rule 19– Section 1 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 18, 2018
Effective: April 18, 2018
Revisions to General Rule 19- Section 1 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules have been approved. The implementation of this revision 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 General Rule 19 in your copy 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-13102
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 120 and 121 – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 18, 2018
Effective: April 18, 2018
Revisions to Figures 120 – PIPE, CONDUIT, OR TUBING, STEEL, 1/2 IN. TO 9 IN. O.D., 10 FT TO 45 FT LONG, BUNDLED—BULKHEAD FLATCARS, WITH CUSHIONING DEVICES and 121 – PIPE, STEEL, BUNDLED THREADED OR NOT, UNCOATED AND VARNISH COATED, 1/2 IN. TO 10 IN., NOMINAL DIAMETER, INCLUSIVE, MINIMUM LENGTH 38-FT FLATCARS 48 FT OR OVER, EQUIPPED WITH PERMANENT END BULKHEADS AND PERMANENT STEEL SIDE STAKES, Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules have been approved. The implementation of this revision 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 Figures 120 and 121 in your copy 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-13103
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 19– Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 18, 2018
Effective: April 18, 2018
Revisions to Figure 19- Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules have been approved. The implementation of this revision 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 19 in your copy 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-13104
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 43-H and 43-I– Section 2 of the AAR OpenTop Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 18, 2018
Effective: April 18, 2018
Revisions to Figures 43-H – INGOTS, ALUMINUM, 52 IN. WIDE AND OVER, LENGTHWISE—BULKHEAD FLATCARS and BULKHEAD FLATCARS, Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules have been approved. The implementation of this revision 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 Figures 43-H and 43-I in your copy 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-13105
Correction – Implementation of Revisions to Figure 119– Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 18, 2018
Effective: April 18, 2018
This is a correction to C-13103. The previous circular letter referenced Figure 19. The correct figure is 119, Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules. Revisions to Figure 119- Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules have been approved. The implementation of this revision 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 119 in your copy 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.
Solicitation of Comments Circulars
C-13089
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section C, CAR CONSTRUCTION FUNDAMENTALS AND DETAILS, proposed new Recommended Practice RP-2018, Handholds, Steps, and Ladders for Interior Access
Issued: April 6, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
If approved, RP-2018 will be included in MSRP Section C, Car Construction Fundamentals and Details. The application of handholds, steps, ladders, etc. to the interior of freight cars is not required by any AAR standards or FRA regulations. RP-2018 is proposed not to require interior safety appliances, but to provide guidance when interior safety appliances are applied. A copy of the proposed publication is attached to the circular.
C-13090
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section S-II, TRUCK DETAILS AND CASTING CODES, Standard S-392, Update to Code Sheets and Drawings
Issued: April 9, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
The Coupling System and Truck Castings Committee (CSTCC) is proposing updates to the Pennsy, Columbus Castings, and ABC-NACO code sheets. These updates change the title to reflect Amsted Rail as the design owner and update code sheets accordingly. All truck drawings for Sections 4.0, 6.0 and 7.0 have been revised and updated and are included in the proposed changes. There are no costs associated with implementation of these updates. This update is one in a series of updates to S-392. Future updates will address other sections and new manufacturers. The proposals are attached to the circular.
C-13092
Solicitation for Comments – Revision to MSRP Section N, Specification M-992, Designated Satellite Shop Repair for Multi-Level Auto Rack Cars
Issued: April 11, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
The proposed revisions are included in the circular.
C-13098
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to AAR Intermodal Interchange Rules, Section L, Rule 156, and Appendix A, Destroyed, Badly Damaged, or Stolen Units, Depreciated Value Table Update and Billing Procedures Revisions
Issued: April 17, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
The update to the Depreciated Value Table includes Chassis, Steel Container, Aluminum Container, and Trailer, with the Asset Life and Residual Value depicted in the table. The revisions to the Appendix A billing procedures include additions of vendor office, and an editorial revision to the required billing information. The proposal is attached to the circular.
Notice Circulars
C-13086
Update – Registrations Are Open for AAR M-1003 Quality Assurance Training Classes: Basic & Advanced Auditor Training and Root Cause Analysis
Issued: April 4, 2018
Effective: N/A
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) Quality Assurance Committee has scheduled Basic & Advanced Auditor Training and Root Cause Analysis classes. The schedule is included in the circular.
C-13087##
Save the Date – Announcing the 2019 AAR Quality Assurance Auditor and Industry Conference
Issued: April 4, 2018
Effective: N/A
The 31st Annual AAR Quality Assurance Auditor and Industry Conference will be held the week of January 21, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The schedule is included in the circular.
CPC-1331
Umler System Notification to Tank Car Owners and Solicitation of Comments on the Permissible Value of “Unknown”
Issued: April 11, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
The purpose of this Circular is to communicate two approved actions from the Tank Car Committee regarding the Umler system. First, the Committee agreed to issue the general notification herein that reminds each Tank Car Owner to accurately register all tank car equipment to the approved operating design for each applicable data element. Additional details on this matter can be found in the latest version of the Umler Data Specification manual (https://www.railinc.com/rportal/umlerreferences). Secondly, the Tank Car Committee agreed to seek industry comments on a proposal to sunset the use of “Unknown” as a permissible value for tank cars. The proposal is included in the circular as well as an Exhibit PC-1 form for comments.
Helpful Resources
CPC-1325
Final Action, Revision to MSRP Section C Part III, M-1002, Specifications for Tank Cars, Chapter 2
Issued: April 07, 2017
Effective: April 07, 2017
The revision to MSRP Section C Part III, M-1002, Specifications for Tank Cars, Chapter 2; Section 2.8 “Tank Cars Transporting TIH” makes reference to several CFR documents and tables contained therein.
The information contained in the tables of these documents (49 CFR 173.244 “Bulk packaging for certain pyrophoric liquids (Division 4.2), dangerous when wet (Division 4.3) materials, and poisonous liquids with inhalation hazards (Division 6.1)” and 49 CFR 173.314 “Compressed gases in tank cars and multi-unit tank cars”) has been consolidated in this table.
The resource table is intended for reference only and does not replace the information contained in the Specification and Codes.
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.