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.
PDF version of AAR Circular Summaries available here.
Implementation Circulars
C-12865
Implementation of Revised MSRP Section H, Part II, Roller Bearing Manual, 2017
Issued: May 2, 2017
Effective: May 2, 2017
The revised MSRP Section H, Part II is now available in both printed and download versions. All previously implemented standards and specifications are included in this print of Section H, Part II. Please update your library and be governed accordingly. The manual can be purchased online at www.aarpublications.com
C-12875
Implementation of Revision to MSRP Section G-II, Wheel and Axle Manual, S-659, RP-631, and RP-633, Wheel Mounting Press and AAR-2A Contour and Acceptance Gauges
Issued: May 24, 2017
Effective: May 24, 2017
The revised S-659, RP-631, and RP-633 are now implemented and effective immediately. These modifications will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section G-II. In the interim, please insert the circular attachments into your copy of MSRP Section G-II and be governed accordingly.
C-12876
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section S-II, TRUCK DETAILS AND CASTING CODES, Standard S-392, Truck – Design Drawings, Update to Code Sheets and Drawings
Issued: May 24, 2017
Effective: May 24, 2017
Standard S-392 is now implemented and effective immediately. These modifications will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section S-II. In the interim, please insert the circular attachments into your copy of MSRP Section S-II and be governed accordingly.
C-12877
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section S, CASTING DETAILS, Specifications M-201, M-210, and M-211, regarding MSRP compliance (supplemental) checklists
Issued: May 24, 2017
Effective: May 24, 2017
Specifications M-201, M-210, and M-211 are now implemented and effective immediately. The revised specifications are attached to the circular and 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-12879
Notice of Implementation on Proposed Change to Rule 7. Doorway Protection, Circular No. 42, General Rules Covering Loading or Carload Shipments of Commodities in Closed Cars (DP&FC)
Issued: May 25, 2017
Effective: June 2017
The AAR’s Damage Prevention & Freight Claim Committee (DP&FC) has approved changes to Rule 7. Doorway Protection, Circular No. 42-K, General Rules Covering Loading or Carload Shipments of Commodities in Closed Cars. Circular 42-L is attached to the circular and supersedes Circular 42-K.
C-12880
Implementation of Proposed Change to Rule B-1, General Rules, Circular No. 43-F, Rules Governing the Loading, Blocking, and Bracing of Freight in Closed Trailers and Containers for TOFC/COFC Service (DP&FC)
Issued: May 25, 2017
Effective: June 2017
The AAR’s Damage Prevention & Freight Claim Committee (DP&FC) has approved changes to Rule B-1, General Rules, Circular No. 43, Rules Governing the Loading, Blocking, and Bracing of Freight in Closed Trailers and Containers for TOFC/COFC Service. Circular 43-G is attached to the circular.
C-12881
Implementation of Revisions to Figure Coil Figures 29-I, 29-J, 29-K-– Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 27, 2017
Effective: May 27, 2017
The implementation of this revision to Section 2 is 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 29-I, 29-J and 29-K into 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-12882
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 40-A REBAR—BULKHEAD FLATCARS– Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 26, 2017
Effective: May 26, 2017
The implementation of this revision to Section 2 is 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 Figure 40-A into 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-12883
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 55-A, WRECKED CAR BODIES—LOADED ON MODIFIED FLATCARS – Section 3 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 26, 2017
Effective: May 26, 2017
The implementation of this revision to Section 3 is 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 Figure 55-A into 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-12884
Implementation of revision to General Rule 29 – Section 1 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 26, 2017
Effective: May 26, 2017
The implementation of this change is 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 this change into 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-12885
Implementation of New Figure 115, MATS , BOLTED HARDWOOD, 8 FT LONG OR OVER – CENTER A-FRAME FLATCARS, WITH CABLE TIE-DOWNS – Section 5 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 26, 2017
Effective: May 26, 2017
The implementation of this new figure to Section 5 is 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 Figure 115 into 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-12886
Implementation of New Figure 114, MATS, TILT-UP HARDWOOD, 8 FT LONG OR OVER CENTER A-FRAME FLATCARS, WITH CABLE TIE-DOWNS – Section 5 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 26, 2017
Effective: May 26, 2017
The implementation of this new figure to Section 5 is 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 Figure 114 into 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-12887
Implementation of revision to General Rule 36.4.4 to Remove All References to Torpedoes – Section 1 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 26, 2017
Effective: May 26, 2017
The implementation of this change is 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 this change into 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-12888
Implementation of revision to General Rule 15.3 – Section 1 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 26, 2017
Effective: May 26, 2017
The implementation of this change is 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 this change into 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-12889
Implementation of revision to General Rule 3.1 – Section 1 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 26, 2017
Effective: May 26, 2017
The implementation of this change is 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 this change into 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-12890
Implementation of 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 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 26, 2017
Effective: May 26, 2017
The implementation of this revision to Section 2 is 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 Figure 154-B into 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-12891
Implementation of Revisions to Fig. 128-A PIPE, STEEL, BARE, COATED, 6 5/8 IN – 14 IN O.D., 43 FT LONG AND OVER— Section 2 (OTLR)
Issued: May 26, 2017
Effective: May 26, 2017
The implementation of this revision to Section 2 is 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 Figure 128-A into 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-12892
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 112-A, ENGINEERED-WOOD PRODUCTS – Section 5 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 26, 2017
Effective: May 26, 2017
The implementation of this revision to Section 5 is 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 Figure 112-A into 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-12893
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 24-A, POLES OR ROUND STOCK, UNTREATED OR TREATED—SINGLE LOADS ON FLATCARS – Section 5 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 26, 2017
Effective: May 26, 2017
The implementation of this revision to Section 5 is 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 Figure 24-A into 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.
Solicitation of Comments Circulars
CPC-1326
Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Revision to MSRP Section C Part III, M-1002, Specifications for Tank Cars, Appendix A and Appendix M
Issued: May 5, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
The Tank Car Committee (TCC) is requesting comments on revisions to 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 for surge suppression devices, the chemistry of carbon steel tank car material and the deletion of a duplicate paragraph. The proposed changes and required Exhibit PC-1 form are included in the circular.
C- 12866
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, New Rule 23, Articulator Connectors
Issued: May 8, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
At the April 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal (advanced by the CSTCC to add new Rule 23 Articulator Connectors) was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in an attachment to the circular.
C- 12867
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 66.A.2
Issued: May 8, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
At the April 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal (advanced by the Equipment Engineering Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 66.A.2) was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in an attachment to the circular.
C- 12868
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 75 Job Code 4455
Issued: May 8, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
At the April 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal (advanced by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Rule 75 Job Code 4455) was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in an attachment to the circular.
C- 12869
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual Rule 63, Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI)
Issued: May 8, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
At the April 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal (advanced by the Equipment Health Management Committee and the AEI Committee to revise Rule 63) was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in an attachment to the circular.
C- 12870
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Office Manual Rule 50 and Field Manual Rules 46, 47, 48, 50, 67 and 75
Issued: May 9, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
At the April 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal (advanced by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Office Manual, Rule 50 and Field Manual Rules 46, 47, 48, 50, 67 and 75) was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in an attachment to the circular.
C- 12871
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 3, and New EHMS Alert for LORF-NCF
Issued: May 10, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
At the April 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal (advanced by the Brake Systems Committee to revise Field Manual, Rule 3 for Line of Road Failure-No Cause Found [LORF-NCF]) was reviewed and approved. These revisions will replace the existing MA-146 for LORF-NCF and include a new EHMS Alert. The proposal is included in an attachment to the circular.
C- 12872
Solicitation of comments – Proposed addition of MSRP Section F. New Standard S-6103 – Wheel Profile Detector
Issued: May 11, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
The Equipment Health Monitoring Committee has proposed the establishment of “S-6103 Wheel Profile Detector,” to provide for wayside detection methods. A draft of the proposed standard is attached to this circular.
C- 12874
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 4, 83 and Appendix A
Issued: May 19, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
At the April 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee, a proposal (advanced by the BSC to revise Rule 4, Rule 83 and Appendix A), was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in an attachment to the circular.
C- 12878
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section E, BRAKES AND BRAKE EQUIPMENT, Standards S-419 and S-4008, Slack Adjusters – Mechanical Double Acting, Slack Adjuster Protection
Issued: May 24, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
These revisions address requirements that aim to better protect the slack adjuster during other activities, such as painting or sand-blasting. The proposal is included in an attachment to the circular.
Notice Circulars
CPC-1327
Operating Instructions for Midland A-720, A-721 and A-724 Valves
Issued: May 15, 2017
Effective: N/A
Proper closure instructions are essential for the prevention of unintended release of commodity. “Midland Manufacturing Service Bulletin 20170317-01” gives instruction for the recommended proper operation of certain rising stem valve models. The service bulletin is attached to the circular. Organizations should review this information and develop closure instructions for their use.
C-12873
Registration is now open for 2018 AAR Quality Assurance Auditor and Industry Conference.
Issued: May 24, 2017
Effective: N/A
The 30th Annual AAR Quality Assurance Auditor and Industry Conference will be held the week of January 22, 2018 in Fort Worth, Texas. A summary of the full schedule is included in the circular.
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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