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-13728
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 267-A, 287 and 298 from Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: January 4, 2021
Effective: January 4, 2021
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved the revisions concerning “Hardwood” and “Pipe, Steel Bare, Coated or Wrapped” to Figures 267-A, 287 and 298 from Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules (OTLR) Manual. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. 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 and be governed accordingly.
C-13731
Implementation of Retirement of MSRP Section M, Recommended Practice – RP-545 Testing Electrical Components
Issued: January 5, 2021
Effective: January 5, 2021
The Locomotive Committee has approved the retirement of RP-545. Please remove RP-545 from Section M and be governed accordingly.
C-13729
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 240, 244, 247, 260, 263, 267, and 285 from Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: January 7, 2021
Effective: January 7, 2021
Changes to Sections 2 OTLR are effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR Manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachment for Figures 240, 244, 247, 260, 263, 267, 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-13736
IMPLEMENTED. AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section K-I Railway Electronics Systems Architecture and Concept of Operations, Standard S-9058.V1.0
Issued: January 19, 2021
Effective: January 19, 2021
Standard S-9058.V1.0, attached to the circular, describes the requirements that pertain to the Interoperable Train Control Ticket Management (ITCTM) system, which allows railroads to exchange shared assets. It will be incorporated in the next issue of the MSRP, Section K-I Railway Electronics Systems Architecture and Concept of Operations. In the interim, please insert the Circular in your copy of the MSRP Section K-I and be governed accordingly.
Call for Comment
C-13732
Solicitation of Comments on the Retirement and Archiving of MSRP Section M, Standard – S-5512 LOCOMOTIVE EVENT RECORDER DOWNLOAD STANDARD
Issued: January 5, 2021
Effective: 30 days for Comment
Standard S-5512 describes a serial cable-based access method, which is now considered obsolete. It is the intention of the Locomotive Committee to remove S-5512 from MSRP, Section M. Questions should be directed to Mike Fore, Director-Technical Services, Association of American Railroads at locomotive@aar.org.
C-13734
DRAFT S-9452A.V2.0 – ITCSM WIU Asset-Specific Data Dictionary for Interoperable Train Control is available for review and comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP, Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management.
Issued: January 12, 2021
Effective: 15 days for Comment
The proposal details the wayside interface unit (WIU) asset-specific data dictionary for ITC systems management (ITCSM). The DRAFT document and Comment Form can be found at:
https://communities.railinc.com/DRAFTS-9452A.V2.0
C-13733
DRAFT S-9451A.V2.0 – ITCSM WIU Asset-Specific Requirements for Interoperable Train Control is available for review and comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP, Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management.
Issued: January 12, 2021
Effective: 15 days for Comment
The proposal details the WIU asset-specific requirements for ITC systems management. The DRAFT document and Comment Form can be found at:
https://communities.railinc.com/DRAFTS-9451A.V2.0
C-13739
DRAFT S-9103.V1.0 – Precision Navigation Module Interface Control Document (ICD) is available for review and comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP, Section K-II, Locomotive Electronics and Train Consist System Architecture.
Issued: January 28, 2021
Effective: 30 days for Comment
This document specifies an industry-standard ICD that defines high precision navigation messages for PNM’s on locomotives. This standard applies to all new PNM devices ordered after January 1, 2021. The DRAFT document and Comment Form can be found at:
https://communities.railinc.com/DRAFTS-9103.V1.0
Notice of Circulars
C-13730
Informational Circular, Office Manual Rule 107, Freight Car Index Factor
Issued: January 5, 2021
Effective: January 5, 2021
The AAR Car Repair Billing Committee has approved the 2020 Freight Car Index Factor of 201 to be used in 2021. This number is unchanged from the 2019 Freight Car Index Factor. The Freight Car Index Factor is based on the Freight Car Producer Price Index from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. The new Freight Car Index Factor is published in Rule 107 of the Office Manual and is effective January 1, 2021.
C-13735
Informational Circular Letter, CRB Data Exchange Error Code 4T
Issued: January 12, 2021
Effective: January 12, 2021
Error code 4T will be implemented as an informational edit prior to the February 2021 run of the CRB Data Exchange. Error code 4T concerns “Repair Date (YYMMDD)” and “DX Error Type.” The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13737
AAR M-1003 Quality Assurance Audit Requirements During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Issued: January 19, 2021
Effective: January 19, 2021
The notice is in regard to in-person and remote auditing to obtain and maintain AAR M-1003 Certifications during the COVID-19 pandemic (North America and International). The announcement supplements AAR Circular Letter C-13545 “Restart of AAR Inspections and Audits.” The entire text of the notice is included in the circular. Issued guidance will remain in place until further notice is made by Circular Letter announcement.
C-13738
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field and Office Manuals, Rule 125, Early Warning – Delayed until June 28, 2021
Issued: January 26, 2021
Effective: January 26, 2021
Additional industry feedback was received prompting the delay of the implementation of these revisions to June 28, 2021. No further delays are anticipated.
Greenbrier’s response to COVID-19
As this challenging time continues, Greenbrier would like to provide an update on operations and our continued dedication to our customers, employees, and communities. As rail workers and contractors are designated “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers”, Greenbrier’s manufacturing and repair facilities are fully operational. Our office teams are available as well, though most are working remotely. We encourage you to contact your Greenbrier representative if you have any questions or concerns—we are here for you.
For more information, visit our webpage that details Greenbrier’s response to COVID-19.
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)
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