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-1341
Final Action, Revision to MSRP Section C Part III, M-1002, Specifications for Tank Cars, Chapter 2
Issued: December 4, 2018
Effective: December 4, 2018
This is the final action on revisions affecting Appendix A and Appendix M of the AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section C, Part III, Specifications for Tank Cars (M-1002). These revisions address requirements surge suppression for non-reclosing pressure relief devices and changes to the material specification for TC-128B. The revisions are attached to the circular.
C- 13251
IMPLEMENTED. AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section K-IV Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging, Requirements for Using an ITC EMP Application Gateway, Standard S 9379.V1.0
Issued: December 7, 2018
Effective: December 7, 2018
Standard S-9379.V1.0 describes the requirements for using an ITC EMP Application Gateway. The function of the Application Gateway is to act as a bridge between the application protocols (EMP) and the Messaging System Protocols (ITCM). Standard S-9379.V1.0 was adopted in 2018 and is attached to the circular. It will be incorporated in the next issue of the MSRP, Section K-IV Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging. In the interim, please insert the Circular in your copy of the MSRP Section K-IV and be governed accordingly.
C- 13252
IMPLEMENTED. AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section K-I Railway Electronics Systems Architecture and Concepts of Operations, Positive Train Control ITC System Requirements – Level 0, Standard S-9053.V2.0
Issued: December 7, 2018
Effective: December 7, 2018
Standard S-9053.V2.0 describes the top-level (Level 0) system requirements and objectives addressing the following areas: Statutory and Regulatory, System Requirements, Safety, Performance, Interoperability Scope, and Architecture and Design. The document contains ITC Level 0 requirements extracted from 49 CFR 236 Subpart I as a source. Level 1 requirements consist primarily of system-level requirements derived from Level 0 requirements and address ITC system functions with respect to railroad operations. The Level 1 system requirements are traced to requirements in the document. Standard S-9053.V2.0 was adopted in 2014 and is attached to the circular. It will be incorporated in the next issue of the MSRP, Section K-I Railway Electronics Systems Architecture and Concepts of Operations. In the interim, please insert the Circular in your copy of the MSRP Section K-I and be governed accordingly.
C-13253
IMPLEMENTED. AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section K-1 Railway Electronics Systems Architecture and Concepts of Operations, Positive Train Control ITC System Requirements – Level 1, Standard S-9054.V2.0
Issued: December 7, 2018
Effective: December 7, 2018
Standard S-9054.V2.0 describes the high-level (Level 1) system requirements and objectives and address the following areas: Statutory and Regulatory, System Requirements, Safety, Performance, Interoperability Scope and Architecture and Design. This document contains ITC Level 1 requirements extracted from 49 CFR 236 Subpart I as a source. Each Level 1 requirement has a parent that is a Level 0 requirement. Level 1 requirements consist primarily of system-level requirements derived from Level 0 requirements and address ITC system functions with respect to railroad operations. The Level 2 system requirements will be traced to these requirements. Standard S-9054.V2.0 was adopted in 2014 and is attached to this circular. It will be incorporated in the next issue of the MSRP, Section K-1 Railway Electronics Systems Architecture and Concepts of Operations. In the interim, please insert the circular in your copy of the MSRP Section K-1 and be governed accordingly.
C- 13254
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 58-A, 63-B and 101 – Section 6 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: December 10, 2018
Effective: December 10, 2018
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved several revisions (attached to the circular) to Section 6 OTLR manual for Figures 58-A, 63-B and 101. The implementation of these revisions is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR’s manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachments for Figures 58-A, 63-B and 101 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-13255
Implementation of Revision to Figure 61 – Section 5 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: December 10, 2018
Effective: December 10, 2018
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved the revision to Section 5 OTLR manual for Figure 61 (attached to the circular). The implementation of this revision is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR’s manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachment for Figure 61 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- 13257
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 1-D and 55 – Section 3 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: December 10, 2018
Effective: December 10, 2018
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved several revisions (attached to the circular) to Section 3 OTLR manual for Figures 1-D and 55. The implementation of these revisions is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR’s manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachments for Figures 1-D and 55 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- 13258
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 128, 267-A and 285 – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: December 10, 2018
Effective: December 10, 2018
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved several revisions (attached to the circular) to Section 2 OTLR manual for Figures 128, 267-A and 285. The implementation of these revisions is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR’s manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachments for Figures 128, 267-A and 285 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-13259
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 14, 14-B, 29-G, and 154-B – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: December 10, 2018
Effective: December 10, 2018
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved several revisions (attached to the circular) to Section 2 OTLR manual for Figures 14, 14-B, 29-G, and 154-B. 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 Figures 14, 14-B, 29-G and 154-B 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-13260
Implementation of Editorial Revisions to General Rule 19 and Appendix D – Section 1 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: December 10, 2018
Effective: December 10, 2018
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved editorial revisions (attached to the circular) to Section 1 OTLR manual – General Rule 19 and Appendix D. These changes are reflected in GR19 Part 2 paragraph 19.6 (page 69) and Appendix D 4.7 Chains, Fig. D.1 (page 235).
CPC-1342
Revision to the Final Action, Revision to MSRP Section C Part III, M-1002, Specifications for Tank Cars, Appendix A and M
Issued: December 12, 2018
Effective: December 12, 2018
This is a revision to the final action on revisions affecting Appendix A and Appendix M of the AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section C, Part III, Specifications for Tank Cars (M-1002). These revisions address the implementation date on the insert pages for the requirements for surge suppression for non-reclosing pressure relief devices and changes to the material specification for TC-128B. No additional changes were made to the effected appendices. This circular reflects the final action on this matter and is in effect as of the publication date of this circular.
Call for Comment
CPC-1340
Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Revision to MSRP Section C Part III, M-1002, Specifications for Tank Cars, Appendix J
Issued: December 3, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
The Tank Car Committee (TCC) is requesting comments on revisions to Appendix J of the AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section C, Part III, Specifications for Tank Cars (M-1002). These revisions address defining requirements for heat resistant gaskets. The proposed addition to Appendix J paragraph 3.8.17 is included in the circular.
C- 13256
Solicitation of Comments regarding the addition of new figure 400 – Section 3 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: December 10, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) requests comments from the industry regarding the addition of new Figure 400 for shipping wind towers, hubs, and nacelles in Section 3, Part 5 of the OTLR manual. The proposal is attached to the circular.
Notice Circulars
C- 13250
Informational Circular, New CRB Data Exchange Error Codes 4Y and K1
Issued: December 6, 2018
At the September 2018 meeting of the Car Repair Billing Committee, proposals to add informational error code 4Y and mandatory error code K1 to the CRB Data Exchange and CRB Procedures Manual were reviewed and approved. The details of these new edits are included in the circular. It is recommended that this information be shared with all Car Repair Billing and IT personnel in your company that work with or are responsible for car repair invoices submitted to and/or received from Railinc’s Data Exchange.
C-13261
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 22
Issued: December 11, 2018
Effective: December 11, 2018
At the September 2018 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal by the CSTC Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 22 was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the addition is identified in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2019 release of the Field Manual.
C-13261
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 22
Issued: December 11, 2018
Effective: December 11, 2018
At the September 2018 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal by the CSTC Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 22 was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the addition is identified below. These changes will be included in the January 2019 release of the Field Manual.
C- 13263
Informational Circular, Office Manual Rule 107, Freight Car Index Factor
Issued: December 12, 2018
Effective: January 1, 2019
The Car Repair Billing Committee has approved the 2018 Freight Car Index Factor of 201 to be used in 2019. This is a 0.99% decrease from the 2017 Freight Car Index Factor of 203. The Freight Car Index Factor is based on the Freight Car Producer Price Index from October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018. The new Freight Car Index Factor will be published in Rule 107 of the Office Manual.
C- 13265
Extension of the AAR M-1003 Quality Assurance Program to cover facilities that Maintain and Qualify Fuel Tanks for Locomotive Fuel Tenders and Maintain and Qualify Fuel Tender Service Equipment
Issued: December 19, 2018
Deadline: June 30, 2019
The AAR Technical Services Working Committee (TSWC) has approved the addition of two new activity codes in M-1003, Specification for Quality Assurance Manual, Appendix A: B87 Maintenance and Qualification of Fuel Tanks for Locomotive Fuel Tenders C12 Maintenance and Qualification of Locomotive Fuel Tender Service Equipment Companies falling under the new activity codes are encouraged to purchase M-1003 and prepare for Certification. The deadline for existing companies to achieve Certification has been set at June 30, 2019. The specification can be purchased at this link: http://aarpublications.com/index.php/manual-of-standards-and-recommended-practices/section-j-quality-assurancem-1003-2016g.html.
C- 13266
January 2019 Field and Office Manual, Summary of Comments and Implementation Details
Issued: December 31, 2018
Effective: January 1, 2019
Included in the circular is a recap of those letters seeking industry comment, an indication of comments received (if any), as well as consideration and implementation details. Unless otherwise noted, the rule changes are for the Field Manual.
Upcoming Events
Basic Auditor Training Class Announcement (February 26-28, San Diego, CA) and 2019 AAR QA Training Schedule
The full 2019 schedule for Basic Auditor Training, Advanced Auditor Training and Root Cause & Corrective Action is included in the circular. An AAR Circular Letter will be issued announcing when registration is open for each class.
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.
COMPREHENSIVE. INTEGRATED. VALUE.
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.