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
CPC-1389
Notice to Tank Car Facilities on Revisions to M-1002 Appendix B, Section 2.0
Issued: April 4, 2022
Effective: April 4, 2022
The Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) published circular C-13924 on 1/10/2022 implementing revisions to AAR MSRP Section J (M-1003) with an effective date of July 1, 2022, to allow the customary six months for M-1003 programs to be revised.
However, Tank Car Committee (TCC) has issued the following:
M-1002 Appendix B
2.0 M-1003 QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM REQUIREMENT
Each tank car facility must establish and effectively implement a quality assurance program per AAR MSRP Section J, Specification M-1003. Additionally, each tank car facility must substitute the paragraphs in the M-1003 Chapter 2 Quality Assurance Program Requirements (reissued January 2022) with those specified in Table B.0.
Table B.0 is a list of M-1003 Chapter 2 Paragraphs, with verbiage edited by TCC. The table is included in the body of the circular.
CPC-1390
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section C-III, Specification for Tank Cars (M-1002), Chapter 1, Chapter 2, and Appendix B
Issued: April 6, 2022
Effective: April 6, 2022
Revisions to the following dockets are hereby implemented and in effect as of the publication date of this circular:
- 4 TCID Template Review & Approval Process
- 6.1 Proposed Pressure Relief Valve Requirements for Ethanol and Crude Oil Tank Cars
- 8 Develop Standards for Flammable Liquid Tank Cars (DOT-117)
- 2.7 Qualification Requirements for Exterior Heater Coils
- 2.8 Locomotive Fuel Tender – Activity Codes B87 & C12
A summary of final revisions is included in the body of the circular, all updated sections are attached.
Additionally:
Specific Certification Elements of Appendix B with Delayed Effective Date:
January 1, 2023 is the effective date for activity codes A19c, B87, C12; and repair level RLC. To be clear, all other revisions to Appendix B are in effect as of the publication date of this circular.
Transition Plan:
AAR will transition facilities to these specific certification elements through a similar process used under CPC-1351 as follows:
- Prior to scheduling the 2023 M-1002/M-1003 audit, the AAR lead auditor will contact the facility primary point of contact and request a completed Exhibit T-2 form.
- The tank car facility primary point of contact is responsible for completing the attached Exhibit T-2 Form.
- Once the AAR BOE lead auditor receives the Exhibit T-2 form, the AAR lead auditor will determine the resources required to witness the technical demonstrations of the certification elements; and then schedule and perform the M-1002/M-1003 audit.
- The 2023 M-1002/M-1003 audit results will be processed through the online system and once finalized the facility will be notified.
Existing M-1002/M-1003 tank car facilities can only perform the certification elements they are certified to perform. Once transitioned in accordance with this CPC, only then can the facility perform work to any new certification element(s).
Finally, AAR lead auditors will continue to use the existing Exhibit B-2’s for all audits through December 31, 2022, while AAR works to align paragraphs of the Exhibit B-2’s with the Appendix B implemented under this CPC.
CPC-1391
Amendment to CPC-1376 and CPC-1386 Regarding Hydrostatic Leak Testing
Issued: April 8, 2022
Effective: April 8, 2022
The sole purpose of this CPC is to notify the industry that on March 17, 2022, during the AAR Tank Car Committee (TCC) teleconference, the TCC agreed to amend CPC-1386 as follows:
Each facility that performs hydrostatic leak testing must incorporate HLT into their NDT program no later than January 1, 2023 the date of republication of AAR M-1002 specification.
Please note that there are no changes to the implemented final actions on revisions to Chapter 1 or Appendix T of M-1002 as published in CPC-1376 or CPC-1379.
C-13960
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 120, 154-A, and 154-B – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 13, 2022
Effective: April 13, 2022
The implementation of revisions to Section 2 OTLR manual for Figures 120, 154-A, and 154-Bis effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachments for Figures 120, 154-A, and 154-B in your Section 2 copy and be governed accordingly.
A summary of final revisions is included in the body of the circular, all updated sections are attached.
C-13959
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 105-C, 106-C, 109, 115, 115-B, and 115-C– Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 13, 2022
Effective: April 13, 2022
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Section 2 OTLR manual for Figures 105-C, 106-C, 109, 115, 115-B, and 115-C. 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 and be governed accordingly.
C-13958
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 14-B, 14-D, 22-D, and 40-A – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 13, 2022
Effective: April 13, 2022
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Section 2 OTLR manual for Figures 14-B, 14-D, 22-D, and 40-A. 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 and be governed accordingly.
C-13957
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 9-B, 9-D, and 9-F – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 13, 2022
Effective: April 13, 2022
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Section 2 OTLR manual for Figures 9-B, 9-D, and 9-F. 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 and be governed accordingly.
C-13965
Implementation of Revisions to AAR Intermodal Interchange Rules, Appendix F Job Codes for GPS Components on Chassis and Containers
Issued: April 20, 2022
Effective: April 20, 2022
AAR Intermodal Interchange Rules, Appendix F is now implemented and effective immediately. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
The AAR Intermodal Interchange Rules, Appendix F can be found at: https://aar.com/standards/IntermodalOperations-interchange-rules.html.
C-13964
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 55-B, 88-D, and 88-E – Section 6 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 20, 2022
Effective: April 20, 2022
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Section 6 OTLR manual for Figures 55-B, 88-D, and 88-E. The implementation of these revisions is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachments in your Section 6 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-13963
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 39 and 116 – Section 5 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 20, 2022
Effective: April 20, 2022
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved the following revisions to Section 5 OTLR manual for Figures 39 and 116. The implementation of these revisions is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachments in your Section 5 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-13962
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 66, 140 and 140-A – Section 3 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: April 20, 2022
Effective: April 20, 2022
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved the following revisions to Section 3 OTLR manual for Figures 66, 140 and 140-A. The implementation of these revisions is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachments for in your Section 3 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-13966
Implementation of Proposed Revisions to MSRP, Section M, Recommended Practice – RP-589, RATING FOR SPECIFIC FUEL CONSUMPTION OF DIESEL ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES
Issued: April 25, 2022
Effective: April 25, 2022
RP-589, attached to the circular, is now implemented and effective immediately. The revised RP-589 recommended practice 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.
C-13971
Implementation Circular, Changes to CRB Data Exchange Type 6 Records and FindUs.Rail
Issued: April 27, 2022
Effective: April 27, 2022
The Car Repair Billing (CRB) Committee has approved a proposal to update Record Type 6 requirements in the CRB Data Exchange (CRBDX) and require that CRB contacts exist and are verified in FindUs.Rail. The final phase of the proposal will become effective following the July 2022 run of the CRB Data Exchange. Full details of final implementation included in the circular.
C-13970
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section N, Specification M-950, Universal Wide-Body Tri-Level Fully Enclosed Auto Rack Car (Low Deck)
Issued: April 28, 2022
Effective: April 28, 2022
Specification M-950 are now implemented and effective immediately and will be incorporated in the next issue of MSRP Section N. In the interim, please insert the circular attachment into your copy of MSRP Section N and be governed accordingly.
C-13969
Subject – Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section N, Specification M-970, Condition-Based Certification of Multi-Level Auto Rack Cars
Issued: April 28, 2022
Effective: April 28, 2022
Specification M-970 are now implemented and effective immediately and will be incorporated in the next issue of MSRP Section N. In the interim, please insert the circular attachment into your copy of MSRP Section N and be governed accordingly.
Call for Comment
C-13955
DRAFT S-9415.V1.0 – Automated Certificate Update Standard is available for review
Issued: April 11, 2022
Effective: 21 days for comment.
The proposed document describes the messages and requirements for updating certificates before they expire.
SharePoint access can be found at www.railinc.com.
C-13954
DRAFT S-9414.V1.0 – SMIA-Service Registry Standard is available for review and comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management.
Issued: April 11, 2022
Effective: 21 days for comment.
The proposed document describes the Service Registry which is used to provide the EMP address for a domestic or foreign service.
SharePoint access can be found at www.railinc.com.
C-13953
DRAFT M-9411.V1.0 – SMIA-2 Architecture, Principles and Common Requirements Standard is available for review and comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management.
Issued: April 11, 2022
Effective: 21 days for comment.
The proposed document addresses SMIA-2 architecture and provides end-to-end identity assurance by extending the existing ISMP protocol.
SharePoint access can be found at www.railinc.com.
C-13952
DRAFT S-9417.V1.0 SMIA-2 Service Template Standard is available for review and comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management.
Issued: April 11, 2022
Effective: 21 days for comment.
The proposed document provides a template for writing requirements for SMIA-2 compliant interoperable services that applies to all SMIA-2 services.
SharePoint access can be found at www.railinc.com.
C-13951
DRAFT S-9413.V1.0 – SMIA-2 Interoperable SMIA-2 Gateway Requirements Recommended Practice is available for review and comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management.
Issued: April 11, 2022
Effective: 21 days for comment.
The SMIA-2 Gateway is the interoperable systems management gateway used for exchanging systems management messages between back offices. The proposed document describes the gateway behavior upon receipt of an interoperable systems management message.
SharePoint access can be found at www.railinc.com.
C-13950
DRAFT S-9412.V1.0 – SMIA-2 Identity Services Standard is available for review and comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management.
Issued: April 11, 2022
Effective: 21 days for comment.
The proposed document describes the requirements for obtaining certificates, issuing Authentication Tokens, and issuing Access Tokens.
SharePoint access can be found at www.railinc.com.
C-13949
DRAFT M-9410.V1.0 – SMIA-2 Event and Status Service Standard is available for review and comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management.
Issued: April 11, 2022
Effective: 21 days for comment.
The proposed document describes the messages used for subscribing to event and status updates for a foreign asset from that roads Event and Status Service.
SharePoint access can be found at www.railinc.com.
C-13956
DRAFT S-9372.V3.0 – PTC Back Office–Energy Management Interface Control Document (ICD) Standard is available for review and comment, in support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-IV, Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging
Issued: April 12, 2022
Effective: 10 days for comment.
The proposed standard defines the messages passed between a PTC Back Office and an Energy Management (EM) system that operates on a PTC-equipped locomotive.
SharePoint access can be found at www.railinc.com.
CPC-1387
Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Revisions to MSRP Section C-III, Specification for Tank Cars (M-1002), Chapters 1 & 2, and Appendices C, D, E, M, R, U & Y
Issued: April 14, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment (Specifically by 5:00 PM eastern May 14, 2022).
The revisions pertain to the following AAR Tank Car Committee Dockets:
- 32 Review Tank Car Requirements in the AAR Office and Field Manual
- 2.1 Appendix R review to Address TCID requirements
- 41 Clarification of 49 CFR 179.24(a)(3) the Requirements for Variable Identification Plates
- 11 Hydrostatic Testing
- 18 Review Stencil Placement Requirements for Tanks Cars
- 19 Review Appendix C for Compliance with Federal Regulations
- 20 Review Appendix D for Compliance with Current 49 CFR 180 Inspection Requirements
- 7.4 Consider new steels and modifications to current steel specifications for tank car tank
- 26.1 Review Appendix M Material for Tank Car Tanks
A summary of the proposed revisions is included in the circular. All proposals are attached.
C-13961
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section C, CAR CONSTRUCTION FUNDAMENTALS AND DETAILS, Standard S-2045 Remote Monitoring Equipment, Installation. Revision of requirements
Issued: April 15, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The standard is being modified to better meet industry needs and to establish clear and limited requirements for Remote Monitoring Equipment (RME). The attached draft includes track changes made since the last revision issued in December. Changes were made and approved by the Equipment Engineering Committee (EEC) in response to comments received. The circular includes a summary of the comments, and EEC response. The proposed standard is attached to the circular.
C-13968
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 9, Job Codes 1456 and 1480
Issued: April 26, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 9 to add Condition Code 1 to Job Codes 1456 and 1480. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13967
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 9
Issued: April 26, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
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 9 was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13973
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 1, Gages and Publications
Issued: April 27, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal was advanced to revise Field Manual Rule 1 to address required gages and publications other than on repair tracks, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13972
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 107
Issued: April 27, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal was advanced to revise Office Manual Rule 107.D, was reviewed, and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13976
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 3 and 5, End Hose Gaskets
Issued: April 28, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
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 3 and 5. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular and includes a Cost Analysis.
C-13974
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 15 and 18
Issued: April 28, 2022
Effective: 30 days for comment.
At the April 2022 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Coupler System and Truck Castings Committee to revise Field Manual Rules 15 and 18, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
Upcoming Events
NARS 2022 Annual Meeting
May 9–11, 2022
Greenbrier’s Lorie Tekorius, President & CEO, is a featured speaker at the next NARS conference in Kansas City, MO.
Greenbrier’s Regulatory Services Group
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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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For inquiries about these summaries or any of our services, please reach out to: regulatoryservices@gbrx.com
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