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- 13116
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 280– Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 1, 2018
Effective: May 1, 2018
The revisions to Figure 280- Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules have been approved. Implementation of this revision is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR Manual. Please update your library with the circular attachment 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- 13117
Implementation of New Figure 48-H– Section 6 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR) – Correction
Issued: May 1, 2018
Effective: May 1, 2018
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved new Figure 48-H – MOTOR GRADERS, ARMORED, WITH PNEMATIC TIRES, 45,300 LB OR LESS—FLATCARS WITH CHAIN TIE-DOWN – Section 6 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual. The implementation of this new figure to Section 6 is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR Manual. Please update your library with the circular attachment 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- 13118
Implementation of New Figure 36-B– Section 6 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 1, 2018
Effective: May 1, 2018
The implementation of a new figure to Section 6 is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR Manual. Please insert the circular attachment for Figure 36-B in your copy Section 6 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- 13115
Implementation of New Securement Band Size to Table 17.8 – Section 1 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 2, 2018
Effective: May 2, 2018
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved a new size of package band, 1 ¼” x 0.57″, to Table 17.8 APPROVED STEEL BAND MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS- Section 1 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules. The implementation of this new figure is effective immediately. Please visit http://www.aar.com/standards/OpenTopapprovals. for the latest update to Table 17.8. The new figure will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR Manual. 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- 13119
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 34-A– Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 2, 2018
Effective: May 2, 2018
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Figure 34-A – COILS OF ROD OR BAR—GONDOLAS, Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules. The implementation of this revision 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 34-A in your copy of 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.
Note: Please refer to C-13120 for a corrected Figure 34-A
C- 13120
Correction to the Implementation of Revisions to Figure 34-A– Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 2, 2018
Effective: May 2, 2018
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Figure 34-A – COILS OF ROD OR BAR—GONDOLAS, Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules. A correction to this figure has been issued as Note 3 incorrectly referenced itself. It now references Note 2. The implementation of this revision 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 34-A in 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- 13121
Implementation of New Figure 22-C PLATE OR SLAB, HORIZONTAL—GONDOLAS – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 2, 2018
Effective: May 2, 2018
The implementation of this new figure 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 22-C in 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- 13122
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 54-B– Section 5 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 3, 2018
Effective: May 3, 2018
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved revisions to Figure 54-B – LUMBER, 4 FT TO 8 FT LONG, PACKAGED—CENTER A-FRAME FLATCARS, WITH CABLE TIE-DOWNS – Section 5 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules. The description for Item F incorrectly referenced Item G. It now references Item H. The implementation of this revision 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 54-B in 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- 13130
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section E, BRAKES AND BRAKE EQUIPMENT, S-486, Code of Air Brake System Tests for Freight Equipment – Single Car Test, Test Updates for Brake Cylinder Maintaining
Issued: May 14, 2018
Effective: May 15, 2018 – Compliance will be mandatory May 1, 2019
Standard S-486-2018 is now implemented. This modification will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section E. Please update your library with the circular attachment and be governed accordingly.
C- 13137
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section N, Specification M-992, Designated Satellite Shop Repair for Multi-Level Auto Rack Cars
Issued: May 21, 2018
Effective: May 21, 2018
Changes to MSRP Section N, Specification M-992 are now implemented and effective immediately and will be incorporated in the next issue of MSRP Section N. Please insert the circular attachment into your copy of MSRP Section N and be governed accordingly.
C- 13145
Implementation of Revisions to Coil Figures 29-I and 29-K-– Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 23, 2018
Effective: May 23, 2018
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. Please insert the circular attachment for Figures 29-I and 29-K in 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.
Solicitation of Comments Circulars
CPC- 1332
Solicitation of Comments for Appendix B and Associated Chapter 1 Definitions of AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section C Part III, Specifications for Tank Cars (M-1002)
Issued: May 1, 2018
Effective: 60 days for comments
The Tank Car Committee (TCC) is requesting comments on the proposed Appendix B and associated definitions of Chapter 1 of AAR MSRP C-III, Specifications for Tank Cars (M-1002). AAR requires Exhibit PC-1 ver. 2.0 form to be completely filled out and furnished via e-mail to Matt Forister, Director of Tank Car Safety, at mforister@aar.org within 60 calendar days from date on this letter (specifically by 5:00PM eastern Saturday June 30, 2018). The proposed Appendix B, proposed Chapter 1 and the AAR Exhibit PC-1 ver. 2.0 form are attached to the circular.
Note: Please review CPC-1333 and use the Exhibit PC-1 ver. 3.0 form for comments.
CPC- 1333
AAR Exhibit PC-1 Comment Form Update Related to CPC-1332
Issued May 7, 2018
Effective: N/A
AAR has updated the PC-1 Comment Form to allow for strikethrough and underline edits to the text typed into the form. Please use the Exhibit PC-1 ver. 3.0 for submitting comments to CPC-1332. The updated form is attached to the circular.
C- 13124
Solicitation for Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 1 and Office Manual Rule 93, Box Car Door Grading
Issued: May 9, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
A proposal by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 1 and Office Manual Rule 93, was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in the circular.
C-13125
Solicitation for Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 4
Issued: May 9, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
A proposal by the Brake Systems Committee to revise Rule 4 was reviewed and approved. The revision is an effort to reduce the number over age rubber components. The proposal is included in the circular.
C- 13126
Solicitation for Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 7
Issued: May 9, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
A proposal by the Brake Systems Committee to revise Rule 7 was reviewed and approved. The revision includes moving Rule 7.A.1.c to 7.A.2.e, with minor revisions. The proposal is included in the circular.
C- 13127
Solicitation for Comment, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 41, Wheel Performance Tracking and Mitigation
Issued: May 15, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
A proposal by the WABL Committee to revise Field Manual Rules 41 and 83 was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C- 13131
Subject
Issued: May 15, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
A proposal by the CSTCC to revise Rule 48 was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in the circular.
C- 13132
Solicitation for Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, New Rule 63, Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) and New AEI TAG EHMS Alert
Issued: May 16, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
A proposal by the Equipment Health Monitoring Committee and the AEI Committee to revise Rule 63 to improve alignment with S-9203, was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in the circular.
C- 13133
Solicitation for Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 95 and 96, Field and Office Manuals, Appendix A
Issued May 16, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
A proposal to revise Field Manual Rules 95 and 96 and to add the definition of Knowledge to Appendix A of the Field and Office Manuals, was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in the circular.
C-13134
Solicitation for Comment, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 112.E.1 and CRB Procedures Manual
Issued May 16, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
A proposal by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Office Manual Rule 112.E.1 and the Car Repair Billing Procedures Manual, was reviewed and approved. The proposal is 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- 13135
Solicitation for Comment, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 44 and 83, Field and Office Manuals Appendix A
Issued: May 17, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
A proposal by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Office Manual Rule 44 for Purchased Core Wheel Sets, was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in the circular.
C- 13136
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section E, BRAKES AND BRAKE EQUIPMENT, S-4027, AUTOMATED SINGLE-CAR TEST EQUIPMENT, CONVENTIONAL BRAKE EQUIPMENT—DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS, Test Updates for Brake Cylinder Maintaining
Issued: May 17, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
The proposed revisions incorporate the test necessary for evaluating cars equipped with valves with brake cylinder maintaining (BCM) technology. The proposal is included in the circular.
C- 13150
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section E, BRAKES AND BRAKE EQUIPMENT, Standard S-4001, Rubber Products – Performance, Clarifying the Requirements for Certification
Issued: May 24, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
The proposed revisions clarify the requirements for certification in accordance with the AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section J, Specification M-1003, “Specification for Quality Assurance”. The changes add language to paragraph 12.0 to explain when a rubber supplier must be certified. There are no costs associated with the implementation of these updates. The proposal is attached to the circular.
C- 13151
Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Revisions to MSRP, Section M, LOCOMOTIVES AND LOCOMOTIVE INTERCHANGE EQUIPMENT: Standard S-5509 – LOCOMOTIVE DYNAMIC BRAKE STATUS REPORTING
Issued: May 30, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
A draft of the proposed standard S‐5509 is attached to this circular.
C- 13152
Solicitation of Comments – Proposed New Standard for MSRP, Section M, LOCOMOTIVES AND LOCOMOTIVE INTERCHANGE EQUIPMENT: Standard S-5530 – LOCOMOTIVE HEADLIGHT CONTROL
Issued: May 30, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
A draft of proposed standard S‐5530 is attached to this circular.
C- 13153
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section F, SENSORS, Standard S-6020, Data Summary Definition—Line-of-Road Failure—No Cause Found, Change to Closure Methods
Issued: May 31, 2018
Effective: 30 days for comments
The proposed revisions modify the closure methods by removing “LI” and including a method to close using the Job Code and Why Made code. The proposal is attached to the circular.
Notice Circulars
C- 13123
Update – Registrations Are Open for AAR M-1003 Quality Assurance Training Classes: Basic & Advanced Auditor Training and Root Cause Analysis
Issued: May 3, 2018
Effective: N/A
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) Quality Assurance Committee has scheduled Basic & Advanced Auditor Training and Root Cause Analysis classes. The schedule is included in the circular.
C- 13128
Registration is now open for the 2019 AAR Quality Assurance Auditor and Industry Conference
Issued: May 9, 2018
Effective: N/A
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) is pleased to announce that the 31 Annual AAR Quality Assurance Auditor and Industry Conference will be January 22-24, 2019 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans, Louisiana. The schedule and topics are included in the circular.
C- 13129
Informational Circular – CRB DX Mandatory Reject for Duplicate Line Numbers
Issued: May 11, 2018
Effective: N/A
The purpose of this circular letter is to remind users of Railinc’s Car Repair Billing Data Exchange that Billing Repair Cards containing duplicate line numbers will be rejected following the July 6, 2018 production run of the data exchange. Details of error code 1P and DX error types are included in the circular.
CPC- 1334
ARI Sump and Bottom Outlet Valve Skid Weld Inspection
Issued: May 11, 2018
Effective: May 11, 2018
The FRA Rail Worthiness Directive RWD No. 2016-01 was based on results of non-conforming, DOT-111 tank cars built by American Railcar Industries, Inc. (ARI) and ACF Industries, LLC (ACF) to the ARI and ACF 300 stub sill design and equipped with a two-piece cast sump and bottom outlet valve (BOV) skid may be in an unsafe operating condition and could result in the release of hazardous materials. The directive focused on ensuring a 15% sample of subject tank cars are inspected and tested by qualified personnel at certified tank car facilities. This AAR circular letter and associated maintenance advisory (MA) focuses on ensuring the remaining 85% /(remaining) tank cars are inspected and tested by qualified personnel at tank car facilities in accordance with the process outlined in the FRA Rail Worthiness Directive (RWD No. 2016-01 (revised)) on 11/18/2016. This Maintenance Advisory is being issued to require inspection by certified tank car facility of the remaining tank cars no later than the next qualification, not to exceed 10 years.
C- 13138
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 47 and 48
Issued: May 22, 2018
Effective: May 22, 2018
A proposal by the CSTCC to revise Rules 47 and 48, was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the July 1, 2018 updates to the Field Manual.
C- 13139
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 3.B.19, Line of Road Failure
Issued: May 22, 2018
Effective: May 22, 2018
A proposal by the Brakes Systems Committee to revise Rule 3.B.19, was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2018 Field Manual.
C- 13140
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 36.B Correct Repair Chart
Issued: May 22, 2018
Effective: May 22, 2018
A proposal by the WABL Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 36.B Correct Repair Chart Group B3 ‐ Bearings with Tapered Rollers (Rotating End Cap), was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in the circular. The revisions will be included in the July 2018 updates to the Field Manual.
C- 13141
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 16.E and 17.E
Issued: May 22, 2018
Effective May 22, 2018
A proposal by the CRB Committee to revise Field Manual Rules 16.E and 17.E, was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in the circular. The revisions will be included in the July 2018 update of the Field Manual.
C- 13142
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 36, MD Submission
Issued: May 22, 2018
Effective May 22, 2018
A proposal by the WABL Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 36, was reviewed and approved. The proposal will merge the existing E.5 and E.9 into a new E.5 and eliminate E.9. The proposal is included in the circular. The revisions will be included in the July 2018 update of the Field Manual.
C- 13144
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 46, Truck System Performance
Issued: May 22, 2018
Effective May 22, 2018
A proposal by the EEC to revise Rule 46, Table 2, Approved M‐976 Truck Systems and to update the NSC Bearing Adapter and Pad image following Table 2, was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in the circular. The revisions will be included in the July 2018 release of the Field Manual.
C- 13146
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 88, Mechanical Requirements for Acceptance
Issued: May 24, 2018
Effective: May 24, 2018
A proposal by the Equipment Engineering Committee to revise Rule 88.A.16.f(9) to reflect the complete implementation of long travel constant contact side bearings on tank cars, was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2018 release of the Field Manual.
C- 13147
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 59.E.10
Issued: May 24, 2018
Effective: May 24, 2018
A proposal by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 59.E.10, was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2018 update of the Field Manual.
C- 13148
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 107.G
Issued: May 24, 2018
Effective: May 24, 2018
A proposal to revise Office Manual Rule 107.G Exhibit IV Note (2), was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in the circular. This revision will be included in the July 2018 update to the Office Manual.
C- 13149
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 90.B.2, Coupler Components
Issued: May 24, 2018
Effective: May 24, 2018
A proposal by the CSTCC to revise Rule 90 to correct certain coupler lists and descriptions, was reviewed and approved. The proposal is included in the circular. The revisions will be included in the July 2018 update to the Field Manual.
Helpful Resources
CPC-1325
Final Action, Revision to MSRP Section C Part III, M-1002, Specifications for Tank Cars, Chapter 2
Issued: April 07, 2017
Effective: April 07, 2017
The revision to MSRP Section C Part III, M-1002, Specifications for Tank Cars, Chapter 2; Section 2.8 “Tank Cars Transporting TIH” makes reference to several CFR documents and tables contained therein.
The information contained in the tables of these documents (49 CFR 173.244 “Bulk packaging for certain pyrophoric liquids (Division 4.2), dangerous when wet (Division 4.3) materials, and poisonous liquids with inhalation hazards (Division 6.1)” and 49 CFR 173.314 “Compressed gases in tank cars and multi-unit tank cars”) has been consolidated in this table.
The resource table is intended for reference only and does not replace the information contained in the Specification and Codes.
Upcoming Event
Hazardous Materials Training Seminar
Greenbrier’s Regulatory Services Group (RSG) is excited to announce that we will be presenting “Best Practices in Pre and Post-Inspections” at the Hazardous Materials Training Seminar hosted by the Federal Railroad Administration. The seminar will be held from August 21 to 23, 2018 at the Hilton Americas Hotel and Conference Center in Houston, TX. We will have a booth and would love to see you!
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.