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-13853
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section H-II, ROLLER BEARING MANUAL, Standard S-723 Rule 3, Vented Backing Rings and Maintenance Specifications
Issued: October 5, 2021
Effective: October 5, 2021
S-723 (attached to the circular) is now implemented and effective immediately. Modifications include updates to the bearing maintenance specifications. This revision will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section H-II. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
C-13852
Implementation of Revised MSRP Section S, CASTING DETAILS, 2021
Issued: October 5, 2021
Effective: October 5, 2021
The revised MSRP Section S is now available in both printed and electronic versions. All previously implemented standards and specifications are included in this print of Section S. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
The manual can be purchased at: www.aarpublications.com.
C-13855
Implementation of Revised MSRP Section H-II, ROLLER BEARING MANUAL, 2021
Issued: October 12, 2021
Effective: October 12, 2021
The revised MSRP Section H-II is now available in both printed and electronic versions. All previously implemented standards and specifications are included in this print of Section H-II. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
The manual can be purchased at: www.aarpublications.com.
C-13860
IMPLEMENTED. AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section K-II Locomotive Electronics and Train Control System Architecture, Standard S-9103.V1.0.
Issued: October 25, 2021
Effective: The standard applies to all new PNM devices ordered after January 1, 2021.
The purpose of Standard S-9103.V1.0 (attached to the circular) is to set forth the requirements for the PNM ICD. This standard specifies an industry-standard ICD that defines high precision navigation messages for PNMs on locomotives. This standard will be incorporated into the next issue of the MSRP, Section K-II Locomotive Electronics and Train Control System Architecture. In the interim please insert the Circular in your copy of the MSRP Section K-II and be governed accordingly.
C-13862
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 21-F, 83-A, 83-B, and 88-L – Section 6 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: October 26, 2021
Effective: October 26, 2021
The implementation of the revisions is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachments for Figures 21-F, 83-A, 83-B, and 88-L into your Section 6 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-13863
Implementation of Revision to Figure 1-D: Transformers on Flatcars – Section 3 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: October 26, 2021
Effective: October 26, 2021
The implementation of the revision is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, insert the circular attachments for Figure 1-D into 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.
C-13864
Implementation of Revisions to General Rules 20, 22 and 42 – Section 1 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: October 26, 2021
Effective: October 26, 2021
The implementation of the revisions is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachments for General Rules 20, 22 and 42 in your Section 1 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-13867
Implementation of Revision to Figure 54-B: Lumber on Center A-Frame Flatcars – Section 5 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: October 28, 2021
Effective: October 28, 2021
The implementation of the revisions is effective immediately and will be included in the next edition of the OTLR manual. In the interim, please insert the circular attachments for Figure 54-B into your Section 5 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-13868
Implementation of Revisions to Figures 29-B, 43-R, and 263 – Section 2 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: October 28, 2021
Effective: October 28, 2021
The implementation of the revisions 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 29-B, 43-R, and 263 into 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.
Call for Comment
C-13856
Solicitation of Comments 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: October 14, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The AAR’s Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) believes these figures are no longer used for load preparation, so there is no value in retaining these figures in the OTLR manual. A list detailing the reasons to archive, per figure number and title, is included in the circular. Railroads 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-13857
Solicitation of comments to the industry requesting participation in the manufacturing and testing of Corner Protectors designed for Type 1A non-metallic strapping – General Rules Section 1 of the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)
Issued: October 14, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The AAR Open Top Loading Rules (OTLR) committee has created minimum requirements for design of corner protectors, currently listed in General Rule 19.4. The OTLR Committee is requesting any interested parties to participate in the manufacturing and testing of Corner Protectors designed for Type 1A non-metallic strapping. All designs or protypes will be tested in accordance with Section 1 General Rules 35 and 36 (refer to the attachment included in the circular).
C-13859
Solicitation of Comments for 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: October 21, 2021
Effective: 30 days for comment.
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 update to two digits. There are no costs associated with implementation of the revisions.
SharePoint access can be found at: www.railinc.com.
C-13866
DRAFT S-9202.V2.0 – Interoperable Train Control Wayside Interface Unit Requirements is available for review and comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-III, Wayside Electronics and Mobile Communications Architecture
Issued: October 28, 2021
Effective: 10 days for comment.
The document describes the requirements for the wayside interface unit (WIU). The WIU is a device that provides an interface to the wayside equipment to forward wayside device information to locomotives [i.e., train management computers (TMCs)] in a vital manner.
SharePoint access can be found at: www.railinc.com.
C-13865
DRAFT S-9362.V2.0 – Interoperable Train Control (ITC) Wayside To Locomotive Interface Control Document (ICD) is available for review and comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-IV, Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging
Issued: October 28, 2021
Effective: 10 days for comment.
The document describes the interface between wayside and locomotive segments to the Positive Train Control (PTC) system as defined by the Interoperable Train Control (ITC) consortium.
SharePoint access can be found at: www.railinc.com.
C-13861
DRAFT S-9503.V3.0 – ITC Subdivision File Format is available for review and comment. In support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-IV, Railway Data Management and Communications
Issued: October 28, 2021
Effective: 10 days for comment.
This document describes the standard for onboard track data files, or subdivision files, for subdivision flies of format version 8. Format version 8 subdivision files are intended to support Standard S-9501 (latest version), “PTC Data Model Definition”. The purpose of this document is to specify, in complete detail, the fields and data lengths of all elements contained in subdivision files of format version 8. The format version 8 subdivision files are targeted for use with the Onboard PTC Application (OPA) software systems.
SharePoint access can be found at: www.railinc.com.
Notice of Circulars
C-13854
Registration Is Now Open for the April 2022 AAR Quality Assurance Auditor & Industry Conference
Issued: October 11, 2021
Effective: October 11, 2021
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) has announced the 34th Annual AAR Quality Assurance Auditor & Industry Conference to be held April 12-14, 2022, in Fort Worth, Texas. The QA Conference Flyer is attached to the circular, it includes links to register for the conference and reserve hotel rooms.
C-13858
Informational: Request for participation from manufacturers of automated single car test devices
Issued: October 21, 2021
Effective: October 21, 2021
A taskforce formed under AAR’s Mechanical Committee is planning to hold a fact-finding meeting with interested organizations who are regularly established in the business of manufacturing and supplying automated single car air test devices (ASCT) for use in the North American freight rail industry. Topics and contact information is provided in the circular.
Upcoming Events
2021 ASLRRA Conference
November 17-19, 2021
GBX will be attending the ASLRRA conference.
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.