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-13673
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section S-III, COUPLER AND YOKE DETAILS, Standards S-108, S-109, S-155, S-165, S-170, and S-172, Standard E/F-Type Couplers
Issued: November 2, 2020
Effective: November 2, 2020
Standards S-108, S-109, S-155, S-165, S-170, and S-172 are implemented and effective immediately. The attachments included in the circular replace the corresponding standards in their entirety. The modifications will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section S-III. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
C-13672
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section S-III, COUPLER AND YOKE DETAILS, Standards S-102, S-103, S-107, S-154, S-163, and S-164, Standard E-Type Couplers
Issued: November 2, 2020
Effective: November 2, 2020
Standards S-102, S-103, S-107, S-154, S-163, and S-164 are implemented and effective immediately. The attachments included in the circular replace the corresponding standards in their entirety. The modifications will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section S-III. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
C-13696
Implementation Circular: Revisions to MSRP Section F, SENSORS, S-920 AAR Component Identification – Bar Code Standard / Addition of Data Glossary Elements for Side Frames and Bolsters
Issued: November 5, 2020
Effective: Railinc will release the elements on November 12
AAR recently updated M-214 and M-220 to allow for special inspection and reconditioning of bolsters and side frames that are 47 years or older from the cast date. The elements being added to the S-920 Component Identification Data Glossary will enable car owners to identify which cars have bolsters and side frames with increased component life (ICL). It will also enable AAR to better find ICL status truck components.
The revised standard is attached to the circular as reference. Railinc will release the elements on November 12, 2020. The attached standard also contains unrelated modifications to S-920 from another AAR technical committees. The edits relevant to this circular are in Appendix B & C; found on pages F [S.920] 33 and F [S.920] 35).
C-13695
Implementation Circular: Revisions to MSRP Section F, SENSORS S-920 AAR Component Identification Bar Code Standard Modifications to Section 17 – Emergency Brake Valve Portion CID Labels and Section 18 – Service Brake Valve Portion CID Labels.
Issued: November 5, 2020
Effective: November 5, 2020
The revisions to MSRP Section F allow for a component identification (CID) label pad to be machined into the casting of the service and emergency portions of a freight car brake valve. The revised standard, attached to the circular, is effective immediately. The attached standard also contains unrelated modifications to S-920 from a separate AAR technical committee. The modifications relevant to this circular are in Section 17 & 18; found on pages F [S.920] 17 through F [S.920] 20. Modifications will be incorporated in the next issues of the Manual of Standard and Recommended Practices, Sections F. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
C-13694
IMPLEMENTED. AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section K-I Railway Electronics Systems Architecture and Concepts of Operations, Standard S-9074.V1.0
Issued: November 5, 2020
Effective: November 5, 2020
Standard S-9074.V1.0 describes the minimum set of requirements for connecting to the ITC Federated Network and limitations on acceptable traffic between federated ITCM instances. The ITC Federated Network is a secure, private network to be used for the exchange of PTC messages and other applications as detailed in this standard over the ITCM between railroads. Standard S-9074.V1.0 was Adopted and implemented in 2020 and is attached to this Circular in PDF format. S-9074.V1.0 will be incorporated into the next issue of the MSRP, Section K-I Railway Electronics Systems Architecture and Concepts of Operations. In the interim, please insert the Circular in your copy of the MSRP Section K-I and be governed accordingly.
C-13699
Implementation of New Figures 105-C and 106-C and Archive Figures 105, 105-A, 106, 106-A, and 106-B from Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 12, 2020
Effective: November 12, 2020
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved the implementation of two new figures, 105-C and 106-C, and the archival of figures 105, 105-A, 106, 106-A, and 106-B from Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules (OTLR) Manual. The changes to Sections 2 and 4 OTLR (attached to the circular) are 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 105, 105-A, 105-C, 106, 106-A, 106-B and 106-C in your Section 2 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.
C-13700
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 14-B, 22-D, and 40-B from Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 12, 2020
Effective: November 12, 2020
The implementation of changes to Figures 14-B, 22-D, and 40-B from Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules (OTLR) Manual 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 14-B, 22-D, and 40-B 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-13701
Implementation of Revised MSRP Section S-III, COUPLER AND YOKE DETAILS, 2020
Issued: November 12, 2020
Effective: November 12, 2020
A new edition of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section S-III, COUPLER AND YOKE DETAILS has been released. All revisions since the last printing, have been included in a table in the body of the circular. The manual (printed and electronic versions) can be purchased online at the following website: www.aarpublications.com.
Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
C-13703
Implementation of New Standard for MSRP Section M – LOCOMOTIVES AND LOCOMOTIVE INTERCHANGE EQUIPMENT: Standard S-5516 – LED HEADLIGHTS AND AUXILIARY LIGHTING FOR LOCOMOTIVES
Issued: November 16, 2020
Effective: November 16, 2020
S-5516 was developed by the Locomotive Committee (LC) LED Standards Technical Action Group (TAG) to establish requirements for new illumination technologies, specifically light-emitting diodes (LED), that are available for locomotive headlights and auxiliary lights. The AAR standard S-5516, attached to the circular, is now implemented and effective immediately. S-5516 will be reflected in the next issue of Section M. In the interim please insert this circular in your copy of MSRP Section M and be governed accordingly.
C-13704
Implementation of a Revisions to Figure 8-B and Archive Figures 8 and 8-A from Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 17, 2020
Effective: November 17, 2020
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) has approved to implement the revisions to figure 8-B and archive the figures 8 and 8-A from Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules (OTLR) Manual. The text of the circular includes a list of figures that the committee decided to archive into Section 4 of the OTLR manual. These archived figures are no longer intended for publication unless re-instated by the Open Top Loading Rules Committee. The changes to Sections 2 and 4 OTLR are 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 8, 8-A and 108 in your Section 2 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.
C-13710
Implementation of Revised MSRP Section M, LOCOMOTIVES AND LOCOMOTIVE INTERCHANGE EQUIPMENT, 2020
Issued: November 24, 2020
Effective: November 24, 2020
A new edition of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section M, LOCOMOTIVES AND LOCOMOTIVE INTERCHANGE EQUIPMENT has been released. All revisions since the last printing, have been included in the body of the circular. The manual (printed and electronic versions) can be purchased online at the following website: www.aarpublications.com.
Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
C-13715
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section T INTEROPERABLE FUEL TENDERS FOR LOCOMOTIVES, New Standards S-5031 and S-5032 for Tender Fill Electrical Cables
Issued: December 1, 2020
Effective: December 1, 2020
Standards S-5031 and S-5032, attached to the circular, are now implemented and effective immediately. The modification will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section T. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
Call for Comment
C-13674
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 81, Tank Cars
Issued: November 2, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
Proposed revisions to Rule 81 include the addition of figures and/or changes to the following sections:
Section B. Correct Repairs
Section D. Welding Requirements
Section E. General Information
The entire text of the revision in attached to the circular. The targeted implementation date is January 1, 2021.
C-13678
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 112.H.4
Issued: November 3, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The proposed revision updates requirements for notification and communication of billing exceptions. The entire text 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-13679
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 112.E.1
Issued: November 4, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The substantive changes in the proposal involve initial invoicing of car repairs and CRB Procedures Manual Error Code 4T. The entire text of the proposal is included in the circular.
C-13697
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 1 and 41, and Office Manual, Rule 41, Wheels
Issued: November 6, 2020
Effective: November 6, 2020
The proposal includes reformatting of Field Manual Rule 41 – Wheels, and revisions to Rule 1 – Care of Freight Cars and Rule 41 – Wheels. The entire text of the proposal is included in the circular.
C-13708
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 112.G.13
Issued: November 18, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The intent of the proposal is to add clarity regarding which party is responsible for furnishing billing information to the car owner when repairs are performed by a railroad or its running repair agent. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13705
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field and Office Manuals, Rule 81 and Field Manual Rule 83
Issued: November 18, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The proposal includes revisions of Field and Office Manuals Rule 81 and Field Manual Rule 83 to add component tracking for pressure relief valves. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
Notice of Circulars
C-13675
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 4
Issued: November 2, 2020
Effective: November 2, 2020
Field Manual Rule 4 – Air Brake Valves and parts (E) was revised to remove the “Conditional mark” from Empty Load Devices that are no longer conditional. Text of all revisions is included in the circular. The revisions will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13677
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 107 Exhibit IV
Issued: November 3, 2020
Effective: November 3, 2020
The revision to Rule 107 Exhibit IV provides clarification of the per annum percentage for cars with built/rebuilt dates, pre and post January 1, 2016. The entire text of the update is included in the circular. The revisions will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13676
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Appendix B
Issued: November 3, 2020
Effective: November 3, 2020
“Form SE-3 Multi-Level Maintenance Repair Facility Checklist” was added to Office Manual Appendix B. The form is attached to the circular. The revision will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13693
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 78
Issued: November 4, 2020
Effective: November 4, 2020
Field Manual Rule 78 – Lumber(F Job Code 4550) was revised to clarify required material as “Material only.” The entire text of the update is included in the circular. The revisions will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13692
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 57, and Field and Office Manuals Appendix A
Issued: November 4, 2020
Effective: November 4, 2020
The General Information Section E.3 of Rule 57 – Center Sills, Draft Sills and Coupler Carriers, was revised to include universal definitions of “buckle” and “gouge.” The entire text of the update is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13691
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 47
Issued: November 4, 2020
Effective: November 4, 2020
Field Manual Rule 47 – Truck Bolsters was revised to add “slope” in conjunction with wear plates (e.g. “Bolster friction casting slope wear plate…”). The entire text of the update is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13690
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 37.B.5
Issued: November 4, 2020
Effective: November 4, 2020
Field Manual Rule 37.B.5 – Roller Bearing Adapters, Figure 37.3 was revised to add the new “ASF Adapter Plus.” The entire text of the update is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13689
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 36.E
Issued: November 4, 2020
Effective: November 4, 2020
The criteria for wheelset removal of bearings equipped with Brenco Poly-Shroud in Rule 36 – Roller Bearings, Section E.22 and Figure 36.4 was revised. Texts of all revisions are included in the circular. The changes will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13688
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 22
Issued: November 4, 2020
Effective: November 4, 2020
Criteria for substitution of uncoupling levers in Section E.6 of Field Manual Rule 22 – Uncoupling Levers and Support Brackets was revised. Text of all revisions is included in the circular. The changes will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13687
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 17
Issued: November 4, 2020
Effective: November 4, 2020
Field Manual Rule 17 – Couplers, Type E/Fand Parts, Section E concerning lubrication of coupler carriers for long shank couplers, was revised. The entire text of the update is included in the circular. The changes will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13686
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 16, 17 and 18
Issued: November 4, 2020
Effective: November 4, 2020
Various sections concerning “A Grade C couplers” in Field Manual Rules 16, 17 and 18 have been revised. Texts of all revisions are included in the circular. The changes will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13684
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 12 and 13
Issued: November 4, 2020
Effective: November 4, 2020
Rule 12 – Brake Shoes and Shoe Keys (12.A) and Rule 13 – Hand Brakes, Geared and Non-Geared (13.A), have been revised to add “At any time” to the criteria for cause for attention. The entire text of the update is included in the circular. The changes will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13683
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 9
Issued: November 4, 2020
Effective: November 4, 2020
Rule 9 – Air Brake Cylinders and Parts (9.F) has been revised to add Condition Code 9 to Job Code 1476. The entire text of the update is included in the circular. The changes will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13682
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 8 and 59
Issued: November 4, 2020
Effective: November 4, 2020
To align with other component tracking Rules, Field Manual Rule 8 – Automatic Slack Adjuster and Rule 59 – Cushioned Underframe Devices, were revised to move component tracking information from Section E to Section B. Texts of all revisions are included in the circular. The changes will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13680
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 5
Issued: November 4, 2020
Effective: November 4, 2020
Job Codes 1165 and 1167 in Field Manual Rule 5 – Air Brake Hoses, Hose Supports, and Train Lines, has been revised to address situations where no air hose support exists. Text of all revisions is included in the circular. The changes will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13698
Informational Circular, New CRB Data Exchange Error Codes S1 and U1
Issued: November 10, 2020
Effective: 30 days for comment
The proposal adds new Error Codes, S1 and U1, to the CRB Data Exchange (DX) and CRB Procedures Manual. The entire text of the update is included in the circular. The changes will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13707
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 88.C, Automatic Equipment Identification
Issued: November 18, 2020
Effective: November 18, 2020
Office Manual Rule 88 C.3.c(2) has been revised to replace the reference to MSRP S-9203 with Rule 63 for AEI tags in the minimum mechanical requirements chart. The entire text of the update is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13706
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 120, Damaged Car Information
Issued: November 18, 2020
Effective: November 18, 2020
Office Manual Rule 120.A.4 has been updated to include damaged car information (including all car numbers involved) related to Rules 95 and 107 for AAR Rule Compliance and Enforcement. Texts of all revisions are included in the circular. The changes will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13711
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field and Office Manuals, Rule 125, Early Warning – Delayed until April 1, 2021
Issued: November 24, 2020
Effective: April 1, 2021
Implementation of revisions to Field and Office Manuals Rule 125 and the Early Warning System (C-13590), will be delayed until April 1, 2021.
C-13712
Informational Circular, Editorial Revisions to Field Manual, Various Rules
Issued: November 25, 2020
Effective: November 25, 2020
The word “Condemnable” and variations of, have been revised in Rules 1, 3, 4, 7, 12, 16, 17, 18, 23, 37, 46, 50, 59, 62, 64, 66, 75, 91,99, and Appendix A (Field and Office Manuals). Texts of all revisions are included in the circular. The revisions will be included in the January 2021 release of the Field Manual.
C-13713
Informational Circular, Revisions to CRB Data Exchange Error Code Z8
Issued: December 1, 2020
Effective: The update will be included in the January 2021 revision of the CRB Procedures Manual.
End-of-car cushion units and tank car pressure relief valves will become AAR required components in 2021 (C-13586 and C-13705). As such, CID data for these components will be allowed to pass through the Car Repair Billing (CRB) Data Exchange, and updates to error code Z8 are required to allow new values ‘GQ’ and ‘QM’. The entirety of the revision to error code Z8 is included in the circular. The update will be implemented after the January 2021 run of the CRB Data Exchange and will be included in the January 2021 revision of the CRB Procedures 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.