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-13611
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 88, 109, 128-B, and 129 from Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: July 16, 2020
Effective: July 16, 2020
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Figures 88, 109, 128-B, and 129 from Section 2. The revision includes a re-arrangement of existing sketches and addition of new photos, for improved clarity and understanding. The entire text of the revisions 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 for Figure 88, 109, 128-B, and 129 from 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-13613
Implementation Circular for Additions to MSRP, Section F – Sensors: Standard S-6102, Wayside Passing Data Format
Issued: July 20, 2020
Effective: July 20, 2020
Additions to S-6102, have been implemented and include the following items: Detector Site (WILD Details), Train Passing (WILD Detector Train Passing Details) and Detector Readings (Wheel Impact Load Detector Readings). A copy of S-6102 is attached to the circular and the items will be available in Railinc’s Equipment Health Monitoring System (EHMS) beginning on Tuesday, July 21, 2020.
C-13615
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 43-D, 43-E, 43-H, 43-I, 43-K and 43-T from Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: July 22, 2020
Effective: July 22, 2020
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Section 2, including added verbiage, added notes and re-arrangement of some existing sketches for better understanding. The updated figures are attached to the circular. The implementation of the revisions is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachments to 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-13616
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 9-D and 9-F from Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: July 22, 2020
Effective: July 22, 2020
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Figures 9 D and 9 F in Section 2, including a re-arrangement and addition of sketches and a new note concerning the requirement for spreader block. 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 for Figures 9-D and 9-F from 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-13620
Immediate Implementation of Revisions to the 2020 Field Manual, Pages Missing from Printed Revisions
Issued: July 29, 2020
Effective: July 29, 2020
The purpose of this circular letter is to notify the industry that revised pages 51-52 of the Field Manual July updates were inadvertently left out of the printed yellow pages. A pdf of the missing pages is attached to the circular.
Important Note: This Circular is identified as mandatory in accordance with Field Manual Rule 1.5.b.(11) and must be maintained until the next revision of the Field Manual.
Call for Comment
C-13612
Solicitation of Comments to Edit the Figures 29-B, 29-C, 29-I, and 29-K: Coils of Flat Steel – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: July 16, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The entire text of the proposal is included in the circular. Proposed changes include items such as the addition of notes that concern the loading of the tails of coils and edits pertaining to the number of pieces per coil.
C-13609
Solicitation of Comments to include Cordura Sleeves in Figure 14-B: Plate or Slab, Horizontal, Steel, 20 ft. long or Over on Flatcars or Bulkhead Flatcars – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: July 16, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The entire text of the proposal is included in the circular. Proposed changes include items such as the addition of the width of pipe, to the title of the figure and the addition of new sketches and photos to enhance clarity.
C-13617
Solicitation for Comments – Revision to MSRP Section N, Specification M-951, Portable Bridge Plates for Multi-Level Auto Rack Cars
Issued: July 22, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The entire text of the proposal is included in the circular. Proposed changes include the addition of an overhead view of nominal dimensions for standard bridge plates and requirements for an offset from center bridge plate.
Notice of Circulars
C-13608
Correction to Office Manual Price Matrices Retroactive to July 1, 2019
Issued: July 9, 2020
Effective: July 1, 2020
The purpose of this Circular Letter is to authorize counter billing related to incorrect pricing for Job Code 1186 – Flexible Hose, 3/4 Inch or Smaller. Since its introduction in July 2019, Job Code 1186 had incorrectly utilized a variable labor charge. The pricing has been corrected in the July 1, 2020 release of the Price Master to use a fixed labor charge. All parties involved in the issuance or receipt of erroneous charges are given the authority to counter bill in accordance with AAR Office Manual Rule 112.D.2. A chart with detailed information regarding correct quarterly pricing is included in the circular.
C-13610
Revisions to Voluntary Implementation Dates for Cushioning Device Component Tracking.
Issued: July 16, 2020
Effective: Various
Some of the voluntary registration dates for OEMs/Reconditioners, Association and Field Registration and the Car Repair Billing System informational edits have been postponed.
Note: The mandatory implementation dates have not changed, and early compliance is still encouraged.
OEMs/Reconditioners:
Voluntary- Registration and Bar Coding: October 1, 2020
Mandatory- Registration and Bar Coding: January 1, 2021
Association and Field Registration:
Voluntary: November 1, 2020
Mandatory: April 1, 2021
Car Repair Billing System Edits:
Informational: November 1, 2020
Mandatory Reject: April 1, 2021
C-13614
Revised Schedule for 2020 AAR M-1003 Basic Auditor, Advanced Auditor and Root Cause Analysis Training Classes – July Update 2020
Issued: July 21, 2020
Effective: Schedules included in circular
The AAR Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) has canceled all remaining 2020 face to face AAR M-1003 Quality Assurance Training classes. The QAC has rescheduled the Basic Auditor and Root Cause Analysis Training classes in a Webinar-based training format. The M-1003 Advanced Auditor Training classes will be offered in 2021.
C-13618
Notice of Implementation to archive Figures 5-A, 5-B, 12-A, 14, and 55 – Section 5 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: July 23, 2020
Effective: July 23, 2020
The OTLR Committee has approved the archival of Figures 5-A, 5-B, 12-A, 14, and 55 from Section 5 as these figures are no longer used for load preparation. A detailed explanation of reasons, per figure, is included in the circular. These changes to Sections 5 are effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR Manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachments for Figures 5-A, 5-B, 12-A, 14, and 55 from 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-13619
Notice of Implementation to archive Figure 280: PIPE, STEEL, BARE, COATED, OR WRAPPED, 14 IN. TO 72 IN. O.D., 80 FT. LONG, SINGLE PILE, DOUBLE-END OVERHANG-FLATCARS – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: July 23, 2020
Effective: July 23, 2020
The OTLR Committee has approved the archival of Figure 280 from Section 2 as this figure is no longer used for load preparation. These changes to Sections 2 are effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR Manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachments for Figure 280 from 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.
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)
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.