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-13880
Implementation of Revisions to the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section M, LOCOMOTIVES AND LOCOMOTIVE INTERCHANGE EQUIPMENT: Standard S-5513 – LOCOMOTIVE ALERTER REQUIREMENTS
Issued: November 3, 2021
Effective: November 3, 2021
The revised AAR standard S-5513, attached to the circular, 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-13909
Implementation of Revisions to AAR Intermodal Interchange Rules, Preface, Appendix B, and Appendix F, Units Definition, Climate Controlled Unit Cages Correct Repair Procedures, and Why Made Code Update
Issued: November 29, 2021
Effective: November 29, 2021
The purpose of this circular letter is to notify the industry of revisions to AAR Intermodal Interchange Rules, Preface, Appendix B, and Appendix F. The Preface was updated to clarify the equipment included in the term “units”. Appendix B was updated to add the correct repair procedures for cages that protect climate control units. Appendix F Why Made Codes was updated to include the correct repairs for climate control unit cages and all Why Made Codes have been updated to two digits. AAR Intermodal Interchange Rules, Preface, Appendix B, and Appendix F are now implemented and effective immediately. Please update your library and be governed accordingly. The AAR Intermodal Interchange Rules and Appendix F (attached to the circular) can be found at:
https://aar.com/standards/IntermodalOperations-interchange-rules.html
Call for Comment
C-13869
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 3
Issued: November 1, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to revise Field Manual Rule 3 “Testing of Air Brakes,” was reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to applicable LORF-AHS EHMS alerts. An End Hose Arrangement Qualifier chart has been added. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13879
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 44
Issued: November 2, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to revise Field Manual Rule 44 “Wheel Sets,” was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular.
C-13878
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 43
Issued: November 2, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to revise Field Manual Rule 43 “Axles,” was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular.
C-13877
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 63
Issued: November 2, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to revise Field Manual Rule 63 “Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI),” was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular.
C-13876
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 75 and 108, Office Manual Rule 107, and Appendix A
Issued: November 2, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to revise Field Manual Rules 75 “Miscellaneous Labor” and 108 “Cars Requiring Extensive Repairs – Owner’s Responsibility,” was reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to loading and unloading allowances, the cost(s) of loading, unloading and transfer of lading, and related owner responsibilities. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13874
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 108
Issued: November 2, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to revise Field Manual Rule 108 “Cars Requiring Extensive Repairs – Owner’s Responsibility,” was reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to requests for photos by the car owner to the handling carrier. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13873
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 103
Issued: November 2, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to revise Field Manual Rule 103 “Joint Inspection Certificate,” was reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to when no defect card was issued to cover damage that meets or exceeds a condition as shown in Rule 95.B. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13872
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 48
Issued: November 2, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to revise Field Manual Rule 48 “Truck Side Frames, Transoms and Spring Planks,” was reviewed and approved. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13871
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 37 and Appendix A
Issued: November 2, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to revise Field Manual Rule 37 “Roller Bearing Adapters,” and Appendix A “Definitions” was reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to inspections that must be done or checks to roller bearing adapters when wheel sets are removed for any reason. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13887
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 1.5, Automated Single Car Air Brake Test Device
Issued: November 3, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to revise Field Manual Rule 1.5.a(1) “Gages and Publications Required for All Repair Tracks,” was reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to a requirement for Automated Single Car Air Brake Test (SCABT) Device(s) capable of performing a 4-pressure automated SCABT to be used on all repair tracks by July 1, 2023. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13886
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Office Manual, Rules 103 and 112
Issued: November 3, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to revise Field Manual Rules 103 “Joint Inspection Certificate (JIC),” and 112 “Car Repair Billing,” was reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to charges for Rule 95.B with an endorsed JIC must be invoiced only by the Car Mark owner or the 95.B Invoicing Party listed on JIC. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13885
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 16
Issued: November 3, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to revise Field Manual Rules 16 “Couplers, Type E and Parts,” was reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to coupler heights and adjustments to coupler heights. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13884
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field and Office Manuals, Appendix A
Issued: November 3, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to revise Field Manual Appendix A “Definitions,” was reviewed and approved. The proposed changes revise the current definitions for “Expedite Track” and “Repair Shop (Facility)/Repair Track” and add definitions for “Yard” and “Group Billable.” The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13883
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 83, and Car Repair Billing Procedures Manual
Issued: November 3, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to revise Field Manual Rule 83.20 “Preparation of Original Record of Repair and Billing Repair Data,” was reviewed and approved. The proposed change is to add a new Facility Type for yard repairs effective July 1, 2022. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13882
Solicitation of Comments, Revisions to Field Manual, New Rule 15, Revisions to Rules 18-22
Issued: November 3, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposal to add Field Manual Rule 15 (currently vacant) and revise Rules 18-22 pertain to Rotary Coupler Systems. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13881
DRAFT S-9353 Appendix A V1.1 – Data Element Specifications is available for review and comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-IV, Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging
Issued: November 3, 2021
Effective: 15 days for comment.
The proposed document is external content to the requirements in AAR Standard S-9353 V1.0 – Railroad Electronics Standards Committee (RESC) Data Dictionary. It contains the actual data atomic and compound data element definitions in the data dictionary.
SharePoint access can be found at www.railinc.com. Individuals and organization who have a company ID may access the SharePoint site directly.
C-13893
Solicitation of Comments to Edit the Figures 154-A and 154-B: Steel Tubing on Bulkhead Flatcars – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 8, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
Proposed revisions to figures 154-A and 154-B in Section 2 of OTLR include edits to titles, sketches and descriptions. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular.
C-13888
Solicitation for Comments – Revision to MSRP Section N, Specification M-970, Condition-Based Certification of Multi-Level Auto Rack Cars
Issued: November 9, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The proposed revision will require all autoracks at certification be equipped with low-profile securement systems (approved since January 1, 2010). A summary of the current specification as well as the proposed revisions are included in the circular.
C-13905
Solicitation of Comments, Changes to CRB Data Exchange Type 6 Records and FindUs.Rail
Issued: November 12, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
Following the April 2021 run of the CRB Data Exchange (CRBDX), Railinc began using inbound CRB Type 6 Records to populate FindUs.Rail contact information that was completely missing. A proposal for more changes following the January 2022 CRBDX run has been approved. The entire text of the proposed revision is included in the circular.
C-13907
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section C Part II, M-1001 DESIGN, FABRICATION, AND CONSTRUCTION OF FREIGHT CARS, Office Manual Rule 88, and Section C Standard S-286. Revisions to car and draft pocket design requirements.
Issued: November 18, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The Equipment Engineering Committee’s (EEC) intent is to standardize the draft design requirements for freight cars and to consolidate the requirements into M-1001. Changes required (by car builders and car owners) in order to comply with the revisions are expected to require only slight modifications to existing processes and materials and are therefore not considered significant so a cost analysis is not considered necessary. The proposals are attached to the circular. The planned implementation date for all revisions is January 1, 2023.
Revisions are proposed to the following publications:
- Section C Part II – Specification M-1001 Design, Fabrication, and Construction of Freight Cars:
- Chapter 3 – Material, Body Structure
- Chapter 4 – Design
- Chapter 6 – General Design and Test Requirements – Tank Cars
- Section C – Car Construction Fundamentals and Details, Standard S-286 Free/Unrestricted Interchange For 286,000 Lb Gross Rail Load Cars
- Office Manual Rule 88
Notice of Circulars
C-13870
Order information for the 2022 Field and Office Manuals
Issued: November 1, 2021
Effective: November 1, 2021
The 2022 editions of the Field and Office Manuals of the AAR Interchange Rules are scheduled to be available January 3, 2022. Manuals (loose-leaf, bound or electronic formats) may now be preordered online at: https://aarpublications.com/field-and-office-manuals.html.
A link to all 2022 updates is also included in the circular.
C-13892
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 41.E.13
Issued: November 8, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
Revisions to Rule 41.E.13 “Wheels – General Information,” have been reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to Why Made Codes for defective wheels. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual.
C-13891
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 36.E
Issued: November 8, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
Revisions to Rule 36.E “Roller Bearings – General Information,” have been reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to when a wheel set is removed from the car due to a suspected or confirmed overheated roller bearing, roller bearing temperature performance, or acoustic bearing alert. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual.
C-13890
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 36.A
Issued: November 8, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
Revisions to Rule 36.A “Roller Bearings – Cause for Attention,” have been reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to one or more visibly loose or missing cap screws, missing or broken locking plate, or missing lubricant fitting or plug except by design. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual.
C-13889
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 1.5
Issued: November 8, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
Revisions to Rule 1.5 “Care of Freight Cars – Gages and Publications Required for All Repair Tracks,” have been reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to simplified wheel gage, wheel back-to-back service limit gage or AAR approved alternate. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual.
C-13897
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field and Office Manuals, Rule 91
Issued: November 9, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
Revisions to Rule 91 “Service Interruption,” have been reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to service interruption job codes. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual.
C-13896
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 75, Job Codes 4456 and 4457
Issued: November 9, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
Revisions to Rule 75 “Miscellaneous Labor,” have been reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to Line of Road Train Delay Allowance and Setout/Pickup Allowance job codes. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual.
C-13895
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 47
Issued: November 9, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
Revisions to Rule 47 “Truck Bolsters,” have been reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to full bowl liners. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual.
C-13894
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 18 Figure 18.15
Issued: November 9, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
Revisions to Rule 18 “Couplers, Type F and Parts,” have been reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to Figure 18.15 F “Coupler Assembly Components.” The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual.
C-13900
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rules 16 and 18
Issued: November 9, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
Revisions to Rule 16 “Couplers, Type E and Parts, “and Rule 18 “Couplers, Type F and Parts,” have been reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to coupler bodies that have a crack. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual.
C-13899
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 88.B.1, Marking
Issued: November 10, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
Revisions to Rule 88.B.1 “Mechanical Requirements for Acceptance – From Owner,” have been reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to edits to Rule 88.B.1.d-e for marking. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual.
C-13898
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 88.B
Issued: November 10, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
Revisions to Rule 88.B “Mechanical Requirements for Acceptance – From Owner,” have been reviewed and approved. The changes pertain to the removal of Rule 88.B.2.c(10) for hand brakes. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual.
C-13903
Informational Circular, Revisions to Office Manual, Rule 112
Issued: November 11, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
Revisions to Rule 112 “Car Repair Billing,” have been reviewed and approved. The edits pertain to changes to CRB invoicing time limits. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual.
C-13901
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Appendix B.E
Issued: November 11, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
Revisions to Appendix B.E “Multi-Level Maintenance Pools – General Information,” have been reviewed and approved. The edits pertain to billing. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual.
C-13902
Informational Circular, Revisions to Field Manual, Rule 13
Issued: November 11, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
Revisions to Rule 13 “Hand Brakes – Geared and Non-Geared,” have been reviewed and approved. The use of a double clevis shackle that uses cotter pins is not allowed to be used to connect chain in the hand brake rigging on a car. The entire text of the revision is included in the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual.
C-13904
Informational Circular, New CRB Data Exchange Error Codes P3 and P4
Issued: November 12, 2021
Effective: November 12, 2021
A proposal to add new error codes P3 and P4 to the CRB Data Exchange was reviewed and approved. Full details of the new error codes are included in the circular. The error codes will be implemented as informational following the January 2022 run of the CRB Data Exchange.
C-13906
Notice of Implementation to archive Figures 1-C, 23, 35, 36, 37, 37-A, 37-B, 38, 40, 40-A, 41, 42, 45, 46, 47, 47-A, 48, 49, 49-A, 49-B, 50, 51, 51-A, 52, 77, 240, and 241 – Section 3 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: November 17, 2021
Effective: November 17, 2021
The OTLRC has concluded that these figures are no longer used for load preparation, so there is no value in retaining these figures in the OTLR manual. A table listing reasons to archive these figures is included in the circular.
C-13908
Informational Circular, Editorial Revisions to Field Manual, Various Rules, Component Tracking
Issued: November 29, 2021
Effective: Changes will be included in the January 2022 release of the Field Manual
In November 2021, the Arbitration and Rules Committee reviewed and approved a request to editorially revise the Rules in the Field Manual with Component Tracking requirements. The entire text of the revision is attached to the circular. These changes will be included in the January 2022 release of 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.