AAR Circular Letter Summary – May 2021

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About AAR Circular Letters

Circular letter summaries are produced monthly by Greenbrier’s Regulatory Management team, a division of Greenbrier Management Services Group.

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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-1379
Editorial Correction to CPC-1376 (Docket T88.1-93)
Issued: May 4, 2021
Effective: May 4, 2021

Corrections have been made to Appendix T Table T.2 for NDT method Infrared and Thermal Testing (IR). The minimum number of general examination questions and minimum number of specific examination questions for Infrared and Thermal Testing (IR) were listed incorrectly and have been returned to previously specified requirements.

 

C-13816
Implementation of Revision to MSRP Section N, Specification M-991, Vehicle Door Edge Protection Systems for Multi-Level Auto Rack Cars
Issued: May 18, 2021
Effective: May 18, 2021

A validation section has been added to the Specification to ensure the correct placement of door edge protection for current model vehicles that are being shipped on multi-level auto racks. Specification M-991 is now implemented and effective immediately and will be incorporated in the next issue of MSRP Section N. In the interim, insert the circular attachment into your copy of MSRP Section N and be governed accordingly.

 

C-13815
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section N, Standard S-810, Field Impact and Over-the-Road Tests of Multi-Level Tie-Down Equipment and Methods
Issued: May 18, 2021
Effective: May 18, 2021

The revisions to Standard S-810, Section 6.1 add minimum criteria for over the road testing of bi-level securement systems to include vehicles that weight a minimum of 5,500lbs. MSRP Section N, Standard S-810 are now implemented and effective immediately and will be incorporated in the next issue of MSRP Section N. In the interim, insert the circular attachment into your copy of MSRP Section N and be governed accordingly.

 

C-13817
Notice of Implementation of Figure 120: PIPE, CONDUIT OR TUBING, STEEL, 1/2 IN. TO 9 IN. O.D., 10 FT TO 45 FT LONG, BUNDLED—BULKHEAD FLATCARS, WITH CUSHIONING DEVICES – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 19, 2021
Effective: May 19, 2021

The revisions to figure 120 of the Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR) pertain to Item D (chock blocks), Item G (tie-down bands) and a change to Note #2 (height of load). The implementation of these revisions is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR Manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachment for Figure 120 from Section 2 and be governed accordingly.

 

C-13818
Notice of Implementation to Archive Figures 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60 from Section 2 and Figures 9 and 9-A from Section 3 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: May 19, 2021
Effective: May 19, 2021

The circular includes a list of figures that the OTLRC decided to archive into Section 4 of the OTLR manual for various reasons (i.e., unsafe loading method, no longer applicable due to car structure, etc.). These changes to Sections 2, 3 and 4 OTLR are effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the AAR’s OTLR Manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachment for Figures 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60 in your Section 2 copy and Figures 9 and 9-A 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.

 

Call for Comment

C-13789
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 18
Issued: May 4, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.

Proposed revisions to Rule 18 concern rotary coupler knuckles anti-gravity features. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. Target implementation date is July 1, 2021.

 

C-13791
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 7
Issued: May 5, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.

Proposed revisions to Rule 7 concern brake head wear limits. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. Target implementation date is July 1, 2021.

 

C-13790
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 48
Issued: May 5, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.

Proposed revisions to Rule 48 pertain to “Cause for attention” for column wear plates. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. Target implementation date is July 1, 2021.

 

C-13793
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 5
Issued: May 6, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.

Proposed revisions to Rule 5 concern “Cause for attention” criteria for air hoses. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. Target implementation date is July 1, 2021.

 

C-13792
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 88. C.1
Issued: May 6, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.

Proposed revisions to Rule 88.C.1 pertain to Increased Life Status (ILS) Units. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular. Target implementation date is July 1, 2021.

 

C-13797
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field and Office Manuals, Various Rules Related to the Early Warning Rewrite
Issued: May 7, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The proposal relates to the rewrite of the Early Warning System for Rule 125 “Early warning/Maintenance advisory system”. The proposed changes are to the remaining Field and Office Manual Rules that are impacted by the rewrite. The entire text of the revisions is included in the circular. Target implementation date is July 1, 2021.

 

C-13796
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 112, CRB Invoicing Time Limits
Issued: May 7, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.

Proposed revisions to Rule 112 concern car repair billing data exchange detail source codes. Target implementation date is July 1, 2021. Additionally, there are several new CRB Data Exchange error codes that will become effective following the July 2021 run of the CRB Data Exchange. The revisions and full details of the new error codes are included in the circular.

 

C-13795
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 6
Issued: May 7, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.

Proposed revisions to Rule 6 concern “Cause for attention” for operating components of end-of-car hose assemblies. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular. Target implementation date is July 1, 2021.

 

CPC-1380
Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Revisions to MSRP Section C-III, Specification for Tank Cars (M-1002), Appendix B (Docket T91.2.6)
Issued: May 11, 2021
Effective: Comment due by 5:00PM eastern Saturday June 10, 2021.

The revisions pertain to fastener installation requirements and stipulate conditions for facilities that remove and replace fasteners for service equipment and exceptions where replacement of fasteners for service equipment do not require facility certification. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular.

To facilitate the handling of industry comments, AAR requires Exhibit PC-1 ver. 3.0 form (also attached to the circular) to be completed in full and submitted via e-mail to Matt Forister, Director of Tank Car Safety, at mforister@aar.org within 30 calendar days from date on this CPC (specifically by 5:00PM eastern Saturday June 10, 2021).

 

C-13820
Soliciting Participants for Inclusion in the 2022 CRB Survey Process
Issued: May 20, 2021
Effective: Various deadline dates.

The purpose of this circular letter is to solicit Non-Class I Railroad and Running Repair Agent participants for inclusion in the 2022 Car Repair Billing (CRB) survey process. The CRB survey process and calculation methodology now includes these parties in addition to Class I Railroads. Deadline dates and contact forms are attached to the circular.

 

C-13819
DRAFT M-9155.V2.5 – Locomotive Command and Control Module (LCCM) – Functional Requirements is available for review and comment.  In support of AAR’s MSRP, Section K-II, Locomotive Electronics and Train Control System Architecture
Issued: May 20, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.

The draft (attached to the circular) describes functional requirements to develop an LCCM standalone device or to develop the LCCM function as part of the OEM locomotive control system and contains narrative describing how an Energy Management application may interact with an LCCM as the Controlling Application. Comments regarding the DRAFT may be submitted by using the Comment form (also attached to the circular) and emailing the completed form to submitcomment@aar.org.

 

C-13821
Implementation of Editorial Updates to MSRP, Section F, Sensors – Multiple Standards
Issued: May 26, 2021
Effective: May 26, 2021

The purpose of this informational circular letter is to notify the industry of a series of minor editorial revisions to multiple standards within AAR’s Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section F, Sensors. The changes are minor, editorial enhancements intended to clarify sentences, remove legacy terms, and modernize certain references and do not impose, strengthen, nullify, or materially change any current AAR standards. A full list and attachments are included in the circular.

 

Notice of Circulars

C-13794
Informational Circular, New CRB Data Exchange Edits for AAR Component ID Field
Issued: May 6, 2021
Effective: May 6, 2021

New error codes applicable to the “AAR Component ID” field have been created. These new edits will become effective as informational only following the July 2021 run of the CRB Data Exchange. 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 CRB Data Exchange. Full details of the new edits are included in the circular.

 

C-13805
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 36 and 83, Why Made Code 52
Issued: May 10, 2021
Effective: May 10, 2021

The purpose of the revision is to differentiate Why Made Code 52 from Why Made Code 51. The revisions will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13804
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 21.B Group J
Issued: May 10, 2021
Effective: May 10, 2021

The revision pertains to the correct repair chart for AAR approved draft gears. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13803
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 36. E
Issued: May 10, 2021
Effective: May 10, 2021

The revisions pertain to general information for correct repairs of roller bearings. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13802
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 6, Figure 6.11
Issued: May 10, 2021
Effective: May 10, 2021

The revisions pertain to changes to the title header for Figure 6.11 end hose arrangement performance and angle cock placement. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13801
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 4
Issued: May 10, 2021
Effective: May 10, 2021

The revisions pertain to air brake valves and parts and changes to job code in Figure 4.E. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13800
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 4
Issued: May 10, 2021
Effective: May 10, 2021

Revisions to Rule 4 pertain to job codes 1340 and 1341 for air brake valves and parts. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13799
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 3. E
Issued: May 10, 2021
Effective: May 10, 2021

Revisions to Rule 3.E.7 pertain to the addition of Why Made Code 20. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13798
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 3, Figure 3.10
Issued: May 10, 2021
Effective: May 10, 2021

Revisions to Rule 3, Figure 3.10 pertain to testing of air brakes (initial set-up and piston travel) for NYAB TMB-60 cylinders. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13814
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Appendix B.70 Chock Replacement Guidelines
Issued: May 13, 2021
Effective: May 13, 2021

The revisions pertain to Appendix B.70 Chock Replacement Guidelines. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13813
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 122.C
Issued: May 13, 2021
Effective: May 13, 2021

The intent of the revision was to provide clarification to Office Manual Rule 122.C “Settlement of disputes by the arbitration and rules committee.” The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13812
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 89 and 90
Issued: May 13, 2021
Effective: May 13, 2021

Field Manual Rule 89.B.6 and 89.D “Conditions governing delivery and acceptance” and the title of Rule 90 “Cars and/or parts prohibited in interchange” have been revised. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13811
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 89.B.1, Conditions Governing Delivery and Acceptance
Issued: May 13, 2021
Effective: May 13, 2021

Revisions to Rule 89.B.1 include the following: Effective August 1, 2021, when a car reaches its “Do Not Load After” date, it will be placed on Equipment Advisory SH-2001. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13810
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 88 and 108, and Field and Office Manuals Appendix A
Issued: May 13, 2021
Effective: May 13, 2021

The revisions pertain to hour limitations per Rule 108, permanent repairs in Rule 88.B.5 and the addition of verbiage for temporary repairs in Appendix A. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13809
Announcing NARMO Webinar Series – Registration Open Now
Issued: May 13, 2021
Effective: May 13, 2021

The AAR is pleased to announce a series of webinar sessions aimed at providing educational content typically offered at our North American Mechanical Operations (NARMO) Seminar. The webinars are free to attend and open to all interested parties, with the target audience of mechanical repair and car repair billing personnel. Topics include: Car Repair Billing Highlights, Early Warning Rewrite and Rule 125, Mechanical Inspection Department (MID) Highlights, and AAR Interchange Rules Updates Panel. Full session descriptions are registration information are included in the circular.

 

C-13808
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 88
Issued: May 13, 2021
Effective: May 13, 2021

The revision deletes Rule 88.B.2.c(10) for handbrakes. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13807
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 62
Issued: May 13, 2021
Effective: May 13, 2021

The revision pertains to 62.A.1.b (Cause for Attention) and Figure 62.1 for trucks and side bearings. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

 

C-13806
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field and Office Manuals, Rule 41.C.1, Wheels
Issued: May 13, 2021
Effective: May 13, 2021

Rule 41.C.1 Table 1. Reference guidelines for gages and gaging instructions for wheels. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular. The revision will be included in the July 2021 update to the Field Manual.

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.