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-12950
Subject: Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section I, INTERMODAL EQUIPMENT MANUAL, M-930, Appendix C, Nose Mounted Refrigeration/Heater Unit Container Limiting Dimensions.
Issued: September 6, 2017
Effective: September 6, 2017
Revision to Section I, INTERMODAL EQUIPMENT MANUAL, M-930, Appendix C, to container limiting dimension for containers with nose mounted refrigeration/heater units are not now implemented and effective immediately. This revision 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.
C-12953
Subject: Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section S, CASTING DETAILS, Specification M-220, Casting Component Nondestructive Testing Requirements, Regarding Developer Requirements.
Issued: September 8, 2017
Effective: September 8, 2017
The purpose of this circular letter is to notify the industry of revisions to Section S, Specification M-220, regarding the stocking of spray developer and its application during inspection. Specification M-220 is now implemented and effective immediately. This modification will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section S. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
C-12954
Subject: Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section B, FREIGHT CAR DRAFT COMPONENTS, Standard S-121, Draft Key, Regarding Manufacturing Dimensional Tolerances and Markings
Issued: September 12, 2017
Effective: September 12, 2017
The purpose of this circular letter is to notify the industry of revisions to Section B, FREIGHT CAR DRAFT COMPONENTS, Standard S-121, Draft Key, regarding manufacturing dimensional tolerances and markings. Standard S-121 is now implemented and effective immediately. See attachment provide with this letter on the AAR circular website for the newly revised S-121. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
C-12956
Subject: Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section C, CAR CONSTRUCTION FUNDAMENTALS AND DETAILS, Standard S-2043, Performance Specification for Trains Used to Carry HLRM, ECO Brake Requirement Removal
Issued: September 21, 2017
Effective: September 21, 2017
The AAR Equipment Engineering Committee (EEC) is implementing revisions to Section C, Car Construction Fundamentals and Details, Standard S-2043 “Performance Specification for Trains Used to Carry High Level Radioactive Material.” Changes were made at the request of the AAR Risk Management Working Committee.
The main change is to remove the requirement for Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) Brakes. In addition, assorted clarifications and updates have been made based on the experiences gained through application of Standard, and on industry comments.
To obtain the revised Standard S-2043 which is now implemented effective immediately, visit the AAR circular letter website and reference this circular letter.
C-12960
Subject: Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section S, CASTING DETAILS, Specification M-201, Cast Steel
Issued: September 27, 2017
Effective: September 27, 2017
The purpose of this circular letter is to notify the industry of revisions to MSRP Section S, CASTING DETAILS, Specification M-201. The revision to M-201 is now implemente3d and effective immediately.
You can obtain the revised M-201 by visiting the AAR circular letter website and downloading the attachment associated with this circular.
C-12962
Subject: Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section C, Part II (DESIGN, FABRICATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF FREIGHT CARS) and MSRP Section D (TRUCKS AND TRUCK DETAILS), Specification M-1001 Chapter 11 Service-Worthiness Tests and M-976 Truck Performance for Rail Cars
Issued: September 28, 2017
Effective: September 28, 2017
The AAR Equipment Engineering Committee is implementing revisions to MSRP Section C Part II (DESIGN, FABRICATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF FREIGHT CARS) and MSRP Section D (TRUCKS AND TRUCK DETAILS), Specifications M-1001 Chapter 11 Service-Worthiness Tests and M-976 Truck Performance for Rail Cars.
The revised Specifications M-1001 and M-976 may be obtained by visiting the AAR circular website and downloading the attachments accompanied with this circular. The modifications will be incorporated in the next issues of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Sections C Part II and Section D. Please update your library and be governed accordingly.
Solicitation of Comments Circulars
C-12952
Subject: Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section S-II, TRUCK DETAILS AND CASTING CODES, Standard S-392, Update to Code Sheets and Drawings.
Issued: September 9, 2017
Effective: 30 days from date of circular for comments
The purpose of this circular letter is to solicit comments for revisions proposed to Section SII, Standard S-392, regarding updates to Amsted Rail code sheets and drawings.
The Coupling System and Truck Castings Committee (CSTCC) is proposing updates to the ASF-Keystone code sheets. These updates change the title to reflect Amsted Rail as the design owner and adds a new truck design. All truck drawings for Section 5.0 have been revised and updated and are included in the proposed changes. There are no costs associated with implementation of this update.
See the AAR website and reference circular to make comments for revisions to this MSRP.
C-12955
Subject: Solicitation of Comments – Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section I Intermodal Equipment Manual – M-935 – Standard Operating Procedures for Intermodal Securement
Issued: September 13, 2017
Effective: 30 days from date of circular for comments
The purpose of this circular is to solicit comments for revision proposed to Section I, Intermodal Equipment Manual M-935 – Standard Operating Procedures for Intermodal Securement.
The Intermodal Operations Committee has approved the creation of Standard M-935 – Standard Operating Procedures for Intermodal Securement as a stand-alone document to increase visibility and access across the Intermodal industry. The SOP currently exists within MSRP Section I. M-935 contains revisions to the SOP that was originally effective in 1998. It is intended that once final approval is obtained, M-935 will be available free of charge on the www.aar.com website.
See the AAR website and reference circular to see proposed changes and make comments for revision to this standard.
C-12961
Subject: Solicitation of Comments MSRP Section C Part II, M-1001, DESIGN, FABRICATION, AND CONSTRUCTION OF FREIGHT CARS, Chapter 4 – Design, and Chapter 6 – General Design and Test Requirements – Tank Cars. Changes to Live Load Diagrams and Jacking Requirements
Issued: September 28, 2017
Effective: 30 days from date of circular for comments
The AAR Equipment Engineering Committee (EEC) is proposing to update MSRP Section C Part II, Specification M-1001 Design, Fabrication, and Construction of Freight Cars, Chapter 4 – Design, and Chapter 6 – General Design And Test Requirements—Tank Cars. The live load diagrams in Chapter 4 paragraph 4.1.3 have been edited to include clarification to which cars the diagrams apply.
Drafts of proposed specification M-1001 Chapter 2 and 6 can be found with this circular letter on the AAR circular letter website.
C-12957
Subject: Solicitation of Comments on proposed changes to MSRP Section C Part II, Specification M-1001, DESIGN, FABRICATION, AND CONSTRUCTION OF FREIGHT CARS, Chapter 2 – General Data: Addition of Copper Bridge Rating Criteria
Issued: September 21, 2017
Effective: 30 days from date of circular for comments
The AAR Equipment Engineering Committee (EEC) is proposing a new section to be added to MSRP Section C Part II, Specification M-1001 Design, Fabrication, and Construction of Freight Cars, Chapter 2 – General Data. The proposed Section is included as paragraph 2.1.2.3 “Cooper Bridge Rating Criteria” in the attached draft of M-1001. The language was recommended by the AAR Bridge Technical Advisory Group (reporting under the Railway Technology Working Committee) and approved by the EEC.
The addition places design limits on truck wheelbase and Gross Rail Load combinations for freight cars in unrestricted interchange service. In addition, cooper load rating requirements are set forth for bridge spans up to 400 feet in length. New interchange approved car designs shall not produce a Cooper rating in excess of the values shown, as calculated using AAR Bridge Software.
A draft of the proposed new chapter 2 can be found with this circular on the AAR circular website.
C-12958
Subject: Solicitation of Comments for Requiring One Time Upgrade of DB-10, DB-20, and DB-20L Vibration Protection Kit
Issued: September 21, 2017
Effective: 30 days from date of circular for comments
The AAR is soliciting comments for requiring the one time upgrade of DB-10, DB-20, and DB-20L valves to included vibration protection. This will require that all listed brake valves are equipped with vibration protection at the time of COT&S. This circular also includes attachments that outline further the purpose of upgrade, upgrade instructions, as well as NYAB personnel that can be contacted for further information regarding the modification.
Notice Circulars
C-12951
Subject: Informational Circular, Handling Requirements for Submerged Air Brake Equipment and Roller Bearings.
Issued: September 8, 2017
Effective: N.A.
The AAR released this circular as a reminder to the industry of the rules in place for proper handling of air brake, slack adjuster, and roller bearing components submerged for any reason. Appendix A of the AAR Field Manual defines “Submerged” as “when any portion of a component has been under water”. Please reference this letter on the AAR circular website for information on proper handling of applicable submerged components and be governed accordingly.
CPC-1328
Subject: Informational Circular, Clarification on Appendix E
Issued: September 15, 2017
Effective: September 15, 2017
In January 2015 the AAR Office Manual Appendix E, Quality Assurance Audit fee schedule was modified to state: “When audits require two mechanical staff or two hazmat staff, or one of each, the fee will be times two.” This circular is to notify the industry that the AAR has determined, based on the increasing number of “multi-activity” facilities, that such facilities seeking or maintaining certification to one or more tank car activity, combined with one or more freight car / mechanical activity, will be assigned an audit team consisting of both the Bureau of Explosives (BOE) and Mechanical Inspection Department (MID). The BOE will be the lead auditing agency and shall have responsibility for evaluating the tank car activity codes while the MID auditor will be responsible for assessing the freight car / mechanical activity codes and providing a recommendation to the lead auditor.
This fee structure is effect for the date of this circular and beginning January 1, 2018 this approach will apply to all certification and compliance audits of all multidiscipline tank car facilities.
CPC-1329
Subject: Ballot for a Revised Standard for the Measurement of the Volume of a Tank Car
Issued: September 25, 2017
Effective: September 25, 2017
API is requesting input from stake holders regarding a revised standard for measuring the volume of a tank car. Information on the balloting process and how to participate can be found by viewing the accompanying attachments to this circular on the AAR circular letter website. Balloting closing date is October 13, 2017.
C-12959
Subject: Car Repair Facility Labor Rate October 1, 2017
Issued: September 26, 2017
Effective: October 1, 2017
The Car Repair Facility Labor Rate, effective October 1, 2017 is $128.98, a decrease of 0.6 percent ($0.78) from the calculation for July 1, 2017. Two changes were made to the calculation for October: 1) wages were re-bench-marked from 2015 to 2016 wage statistics; and 2) individual railroad weights were updated using foreign car billing for 2016
Upcoming Events
C-12948
Subject: Registration is now open for 2018 AAR Quality Assurance Auditor and Industry Conference.
Issued: September 5, 2017
Effective: N.A.
The AAR Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) has announced that the 30th Annual AAR Quality Assurance Auditor and Industry Conference will be held the week of January 22nd, 2018 in Fort Worth, Texas.
The first two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) are open to all attendees. The third day (Thursday) will consist of two separate sessions. One session is the private session for AAR Auditor-specific training and evaluations. The second session is new in 2018 and includes quality-assurance related workshops that are open to any conference attendee. See the AAR circular for more details on registration and session topics.
C-12949
Subject: Class Registration Still Open for the AAR M-1003 Quality Assurance Training Course: Advanced Auditor Training Class in DeCoursey, Kentucky.
Issued: September 5, 2017
Effective: N.A.
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) Quality Assurance Committee has scheduled the last 2017 Quality Assurance Training class. Interested parties are encouraged to enroll promptly as this class is filling-up quickly and acceptance is based on a first-come first-served basis. The M-1003 Advanced Auditor Training Seminar is designed for those parties seeking in-depth training in AAR Quality Assurance Program auditing techniques and practices. Attendees must have attended the AAR Basic Auditor Training seminar. Interested parties should refer to the circular for registration and hotel reservation information
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.