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-12981
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section D, TRUCKS AND TRUCK DETAILS, Standards S-306 and S-307, Regarding Hadfield Manganese Steel for Vertical and Horizontal Bowl Liners
Issued: November 1, 2017
Effective: November 1, 2017
Standards S-306 and S-307 are now implemented and effective immediately. These modifications will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section D. Please update your library and be governed accordingly. The documents are attached to the circular.
C-12982
Implementation of revisions to MSRP Section F, SENSORS, Standard S-920, AAR Component Identification Bar Code Standard
Issued: November 2, 2017
Effective: November 2, 2017
The S-920 standard is now implemented and effective immediately. These modifications will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section F. Please update your library and be governed accordingly. The documents are attached to the circular.
C-12983
Implementation of Retirement and Archival of AAR MSRP Section I -Specification M-962 – Remanufacture of TOFC Trailers.
Issued: November 2, 2017
Effective: November 2, 2017
Effective immediately, please remove M962 from Section I and be governed accordingly.
C-12984
Implementation of revisions to MSRP Section I, Standard M-931, Trailers for Intermodal Service
Issued: November 2, 2017
Effective: November 2, 2017
The M-931 standard is now implemented and effective immediately. These modifications will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section I. Please update your library and be governed accordingly. The documents are attached to the circular.
C-12985
Implementation of Requirement for One Time Upgrade of DB-10, DB-20, and DB-20L Vibration Protection Kit
Issued: November 6, 2017
Effective: November 6, 2017
The BSC is implementing the requirement to upgrade unequipped DB-10, DB-20, and DB-20L valves using the General Letter attached to the circular. The vibration protection will be required for the above valves completing COT&S after January 1, 2018. Please acquire the latest maintenance instructions, NYR-42909 and NYR-33215, and appropriate upgrade kits.
C-12989
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section C Part II, Specification M-1001, DESIGN, FABRICATION, AND CONSTRUCTION OF FREIGHT CARS, Chapter 4 – Design (Live load diagrams, Jacking), and Chapter 6 – General Design And Test Requirements—Tank Cars (Jacking)
Issued: November 7, 2017
Effective: November 7, 2017
The revised Specification M-1001 Chapters 2 and 6, attached to the circular, are now implemented and effective immediately. This modification will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section C Part II. Please update your library and be governed accordingly
C-12991
Implementation of Revised AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices Section L, LETTERING AND MARKING OF CARS
Issued: November 7, 2017
Effective: November 7, 2017
The AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices Section L, Lettering and Marking of Cars, is now implemented effective immediately. It can be purchased on-line at www.aarpublications.com. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
C-13002
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 14-B– Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 10, 2017
Effective: November 10, 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 14-B 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.
C-13003
Implementation of Archival of Figures 43-J, 43-L and 43-M– Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 10, 2017
Effective: November 10, 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 43-J, 43-L and 43-M 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.
C-13004
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 115 – Section 5 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 10, 2017
Effective: November 10, 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 Figures 115 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-13005
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 114 – Section 5 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 10, 2017
Effective: November 10, 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 Figures 114 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-13006
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 88-B and 88-F– Section 6 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 10, 2017
Effective: November 10, 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 Figures 88-B and 88-F 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-13007
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 87– Section 6 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 10, 2017
Effective: November 10, 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 Figures 87 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-13008
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 1-B – Section 6 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 10, 2017
Effective: November 10, 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 1-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-13009
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 298 – Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 10, 2017
Effective: November 10, 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 298 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-13010
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 101-A – Section 5 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 10, 2017
Effective: November 10, 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 101-A 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-13011
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 128 and 128-A – Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 10, 2017
Effective: November 10, 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 and 128-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-13012
Implementation of Revisions to Figure 40-A– Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 10, 2017
Effective: November 10, 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 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.t
C-13026
Implementation of Revisions to the 200 Series Figures – Section 2 AAR
Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 20, 2017
Effective: November 20, 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 the 200 series figures 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-13027
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section G-II, WHEEL AND AXLE MANUAL, S-659, RP-632, RP-633, and RP-634, Wheel Storage, Magnetic Particle Solution, Alternate Journal Length Gauge, and Torque System Calibration
Issued: November 21, 2017
Effective: November 21, 2017
S-659, RP-632, RP-633, and RP-634 (attached to the circular) are now implemented and effective immediately. This modification will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section G-II. Please update your library and be governed accordingly
C-13028
Implementation Effective Immediately: Revisions to Field Manual Rule 90, Extending the Life of Side Frames and Truck Bolsters to 52 Years
Issued: November 21, 2017
Effective: November 21, 2017
The revisions are included in the circular.
Solicitation of Comments Circulars
C-12986
Solicitation for Comment, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 41, Wheels
Issued: November 7, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
The proposed text to move 41.A.2.g to 41.A.1. is included in the circular.
C-12987
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 23, Articulator Connectors
Issued: November 7, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
The proposed text of the addition is included in the circular.
C-12987
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 23, Articulator Connectors
Issued: November 7, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
The proposed text is included in the circular.
C-12988
Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Changes to MSRP Section C, CAR CONSTRUCTION FUNDAMENTALS AND DETAILS, Standard S-2034, Car Builder Certification, Updated Requirements/Definitions for Car Builders, Subcontracting, Subassemblies, and Inspections.
Issued: November 7, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
A draft of proposed Standard S-2034 is attached to the circular.
C-12990
Solicitation of Comments on Proposed Changes to MSRP Section C, CAR CONSTRUCTION FUNDAMENTALS AND DETAILS, Standard S-213 Side Door and Door Frames, Boxcar – Plug Type, Updated Requirements
Issued: November 7, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
A draft of proposed Standard S-213 is attached to the circular.
C-12992
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 107.G, Additions and Betterments
Issued: November 7, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
The proposed revisions include the addition of two new Additions & Betterments Exceptions for Automated Ballast Cars. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-12994
Solicitation for Comment, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 44, Turned Wheel Job Codes
Issued: November 8, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
The entire text of the revision is identified in the circular.
C-12995
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 16, 17 and 18, Non-metallic Pins
Issued: November 8, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
The entire text of the addition is included in the circular.
C-12996
Solicitation for Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 59 and 83, Cushion Unit Yokes
Issued: November 9, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
The entire text of the proposal is included in the circular.
C-12997
Solicitation for Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 3, Testing of Air Brakes
Issued: November 9, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
The entire text of the proposal is included in the circular.
C-12998
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 16, 17, 18, and 83
Issued: November 9, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
The entire text of the proposal is included in the circular.
C-13000
Solicitation for Comments, Revisions to Field and Office Manuals, Appendix A
Issued: November 10, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
The proposal is to add the definition of Conform and AAR Certified Shop to Appendix A of the Field and Office Manual. The entire text of the additions are identified in the circular.
C-13001
Solicitation for Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 5, 6 and 7
Issued: November 10, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
The proposal is to reformat Rules 5, 6, and 7 of the Field Manual. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13029
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section E, BRAKES ANDBRAKE EQUIPMENT, S-486, Code of Air Brake System Tests for Fright Equipment – Single Car Test, Test Updates for Brake Cylinder Maintaining
Issued: November 29, 2017
Effective: 30 days for comments
The purpose of this circular letter is to solicit comments for revisions proposed to Section E, S-486, Single Car Test, to incorporate the test necessary for evaluating cars equipped with valves with brake cylinder maintaining (BCM) technology. The details of the proposed revisions are in the circular.
Notice Circulars
C-12993
Informational Circular: CRB DX Mandatory Reject for Duplicate Line Numbers
Issued: November 8, 2017
Effective: November 8, 2017
The proposal to implement a mandatory reject of Billing Repair Cards that contain duplicate line numbers was approved. With the implementation of this vertical edit, the inbound file processing time will increase by approximately three times. IMPORTANT NOTE: 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-12999
Informational: Reminder of June 1, 2018 deadline to equip all tank cars with Long Travel Constant Contact Side Bearings. Pending Release of Early Warning for tank cars not yet equipped.
Issued: November 10, 2017
Effective: November 10, 2017
All tank cars must be equipped with long travel constant contact side bearings (LTCCSBs) by June 1, 2018. The AAR is preparing an Early Warning, to be released in December 2017, which will include all tank cars not yet equipped with LTCCSBs. Details and background information is included in the circular.
C-13013
Informational Circular, SCT Copolymer 5635 Chocks
Issued: November 13, 2017
Effective: N/A
The Multi-Level Pooling Executive Committee (MPEC) unanimously approved that as of January 1, 2018 the purchase of new or reconditioned Copolymer 5635 Chocks and their clones of these model chocks will no longer be a pool billable expense. In addition, as of January 1, 2024 all Copolymer 5635 Chocks and their clones of these model chocks must be removed from all national reload pool assigned multilevels.
C-13014
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 1, 36 and 41, MD Submission
Issued: November 15, 2017
Effective: N/A
The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13015
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 8, Slack Adjusters
Issued: November 15, 2017
Effective: N/A
The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13016
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 96
Issued: November 15, 2017
Effective: N/A
At the September 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Damaged and Defective Car Tracking TAG to revise Field Manual Rule 96 to add a new 96.C to align with Rule 108.7.c, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the addition is included in the circular.
C-13017
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 36.B Correct Repair Chart
Issued: November 15, 2017
Effective: N/A
At the September 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced 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 entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13019
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Appendix B, Code of Rules Governing Procedures for the Operation and Billing of Maintenance Pools
Issued: November 15, 2017
Effective: N/A
At the September 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Specially Equipped Freight Car Committee to revise Office Manual Appendix B, General Rules 4 and 13 and Rule 4, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13020
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field and Office Manuals, Appendix A, Obsolete
Issued: November 15, 2017
Effective: N/A
At the September 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal to revise Appendix A of the Field and Office Manuals to update the definition of Obsolete, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the addition is identified below.
C-13021
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 46, Truck System Performance
Issued: November 16, 2017
Effective: N/A
At the April 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the EEC to revise Rule 46, Figures H and B1, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13022
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 107
Issued: November 16, 2017
Effective: N/A
At the September 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal to revise Field Manual Rule 107 to include Office Manual Rule 107.A and 107.B, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13023
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Removal of Low Usage Job Codes
Issued: November 17, 2017
Effective: N/A
At the September 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee, the Car Repair Billing
Committee recommended that certain job codes be deleted due to low usage. The circular includes the list of job codes to be deleted effective January 1, 2018.
C-13024
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 21, Draft Gears
Issued: November 17, 2017
Effective: N/A
At the April 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Field Manual Rule 21, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13025
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 112.D.2
Issued: November 17, 2017
Effective: N/A
At the September 2017 meeting of the Arbitration and Rules Committee a proposal as advanced by the Car Repair Billing Committee to revise Office Manual Rule 112.D.2, was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision 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)
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.