About AAR Circular Letters
Circular letter summaries are produced monthly by 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
CPC-1406
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section C-III, Specification for Tank Cars (M-1002), Chapter 1 and 2, Appendices A, C, D, E, and Y
Issued: July 7, 2023
Effective: July 7, 2023
The revisions pertain to the following AAR Tank Car Committee Dockets:
- 31 Review Tank Car Elements in Umler.
- 31 Performance of Bottom Fitting Protection System T87.9 TIH Tank Car Transition Plan.
- 20 Review of EEC Marking Reduction Effort.
- 22.2 Service Equipment Component Tracking – All Service Equipment Categories.
A revision summary is included in the body of the circular. All updated sections are attached. Revisions are implemented and in effect as of July 7, 2023.
CPC-1405
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section C-III, Specification for Tank Cars (M-1002), Appendix B
Issued: July 7, 2023
Effective: July 7, 2023
The Tank Car Committee (TCC) has implemented the following changes to MSRP Section C-III, Specification for Tank Cars (M-1002), Appendix B.
- Updated 4.0 Administrative paragraphs and 4.5 Adverse Audit Finding Reports and Facility Response paragraphs by providing the requirements directly into Appendix B instead of referencing M-1003 Chapter 3.
- Updated activity code B89 and RLJ to permit the use of a test weldment / fixture in lieu of a tank car.
- Updated Denial or Withdrawal of Certification requirements.
Revisions are implemented and in effect as of July 7, 2023.
C-14184
AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP). Section K-VI Railway Data Management and Communications, Standard S-9504.V1.0.
Issued: July 19, 2023
Effective: July 19, 2023
Standard S-9504.V1.0. describes the security aspects of PSA-2 as they relate to W-OPK File Management. S-9504.V1.0 is attached to the circular in PDF format will be incorporated into the next issue of the MSRP Section K-VI Railway Data Management and Communications. Insert the Circular in your copy of the MSRP Section K-V and be governed accordingly.
C-14183
AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section K-5 Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management, Standard S-9417.V1.0
Issued: July 19, 2023
Effective: July 19, 2023
Standard S-9417.V1.0 provides a template for writing requirements for SMIA-2 compliant interoperable services. is attached to this circular in PDF format. S-9417.V1.0 is attached to the circular and will be incorporated into the next issue of the MSRP Section K-V Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management. Insert the Circular in your copy of the MSRP Section K-V and be governed accordingly.
C-14182
IMPLEMENTED. AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section K-IV Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging, Standard S-9362.V2.0
Issued: July 19, 2023
Effective: July 19, 2023
Standard S-9362 describes the interface between wayside and locomotive segments to the Positive Train Control (PTC) system as defined by the Interoperable Train Control consortium. S-9362.V2.0 is attached to the circular in PDF format and will be incorporated into the next issue of the MSRP Section K-IV Office Architecture and Railroad Electronics Messaging. Insert the Circular in your copy of the MSRP Section K-IV and be governed accordingly.
C-14188#
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section S, CASTING DETAILS, Specifications M-205, M-211, and M-216, regarding component testing and approval
Issued: July 20, 2023
Effective: July 20, 2023
Revisions to Section S, Specifications M-205, M-211, and M-216 have been implemented and are effective immediately. Approval criteria included in M-205 and M-216 have been relocated to M-211. The revisions will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section S. Update your library, and be governed accordingly.
C-14187
Implementation of Retirement to MSRP Section C, CAR CONSTRUCTION FUNDAMENTALS AND DETAILS, Standard S-203, Coupler, Height Adjustment
Issued: July 20, 2023
Effective: July 20, 2023
Standard S-203 is now retired effective immediately. Please remove the Standard from your library and be governed accordingly.
C-14186
Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section H-II, ROLLER BEARING MANUAL, S-723, Vented Backing Rings
Issued: July 20, 2023
Effective: July 20, 2023
Revisions to S-723 have been implemented and are effective immediately. Vented backing rings cannot be returned to service. The revisions will be incorporated in the next issue of the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section H-II. Update your library and be governed accordingly.
C-14190
Rescinding of Circular C-14186 Regarding Implementation of Revisions to MSRP Section H-II, ROLLER BEARING MANUAL, S-723, Vented Backing Rings
Issued: July 21, 2023
Effective: July 21, 2023
C-14186 which mandated changes to S-723 “…To not allow vented backing rings to be returned to service” has been rescinded and C-14191 has been issued to solicit comments from the industry for a sunset date.
The guidance in S-723, paragraph 3.5.12 has been returned to the former version as follows:
3.5.12 Vent Fitting
If a backing ring is equipped with a vent fitting, the vent and/or vent cavity must be sealed and the ingress of water or other contaminants prevented. This may be accomplished through replacement of the vent fitting with a suitable plug or by sealing or plugging the cavity with the vent fitting in place. The method and material used must provide an effective and secure seal that will not interfere with the proper seating of the backing ring on the journal fillet during the mounting operation. If a silicone caulk is used, the cavity must be sufficiently clean to provide satisfactory adherence to maintain seal and retention. The sealed vent must be checked at subsequent reconditioning cycles to verify integrity.
Standard S-723 (attached to the circular) has now been reinstated and is effective immediately.
Call for Comment
C-14179
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section S-I, CASTING DETAILS, Specification M-201, Castings Steel, regarding updates to sections 5.0 (Heat Treatment) and 6.0 (Chemical Properties and Tests)
Issued: July 18, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The following changes are proposed to update and clarify requirements in accordance with modern steelmaking practices:
- Added definitions related to furnace loads and quench loads.
- Updated temperature survey requirements.
- Clarified heat treatment requirements.
- Updated heat treatment record requirements.
- Updated requirement for heat treatment test lugs on castings.
- Added new element monitoring requirements for steel chemistry.
- Clarified when chemistry sampling must be taken.
- Updated Appendix A to reflect changes in the body of M-201.
- Updated the MSRP Compliance Checklist in Appendix B to reflect changes in the body of M-201.
There are no significant costs associated with implementation of this proposal. The proposal is attached to the document.
C-14180
DRAFT S-9421.V1.0 – WIU ITCSM Agent Requirements to Support PSA-2, in support of AAR’s MSRP – Section K-V, Electronics Environmental Requirements and Systems Management
Issued: July 19, 2023
Effective: 15 days for comment.
This document describes the minimal set of behaviors that a WIU (Client) must comply with for interfacing with ITC Systems Management to support the PSA-2 architecture. SharePoint access can be found at www.railinc.com Individuals and organizations who have a company ID may access the SharePoint site directly. Details for submitting comments are included in the circular.
C-14191
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section H-II, ROLLER BEARING MANUAL, S-723, Vented Backing Rings, to Not Allow Vented Backing Rings to be Returned to Service
Issued: July 21, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
Revisions to S-723 propose a sunset date in paragraph 3.5.12 to not allow vented backing rings to be returned to service after January 1, 2024. The proposed removal of vented backing rings has a maximum one-year industry cost of $3.6 million and 15-year net present cost of $18.2 million. These costs are below the thresholds prescribed in AAR Standard S-050. Instructions to submit comments are included in the circular.
C-14189
Solicitation of Comments for Revisions to MSRP Section S, CASTING DETAILS, Specification M-214, Side Frames and Bolsters Used and Reconditioned, regarding unit guide modifications and repair of bolster pocket top extensions
Issued: July 21, 2023
Effective: 30 days for comment.
The Coupling System and Truck Castings Committee (CSTCC) proposed the following changes:
- Added instructions for removal of unit guide end walls (paragraphs 4.2.9 – 4.2.9.4 and Fig. D.9).
- Added instructions for classification and repair of bolster pocket top extensions (paragraphs 2.1.3.1 – 2.1.3.1.2 and 4.3.1.10).
There are no expected costs to the industry associated with these changes.
A pdf of the proposal is attached to the circular. When implemented the attached file will replace M-214 in its entirety.
Notice of Circulars
C-14178
Notice of Implementation, End Date Limits to New and Existing Running Repair Agent Sponsorships
Issued: July 6, 2023
Effective: August 8, 2023
Effective August 8, 2023, all new and existing Running Repair Agent sponsorships will be limited to a maximum of three years before a renewal of the sponsorship is required.
Existing Running Repair Agent sponsorships, as of August 8, 2023, all existing sponsorships with end dates occurring after August 8, 2026, will be updated in FindUs.Rail to truncate their end dates to August 8, 2026.
Railroads and Running Repair Agents will receive an automatic e-mail notification 30 days before a sponsorship agreement expires.
C-14185
Fall 2023 AAR Technical Committee Meetings
Issued: July 19, 2023
Effective: July 19, 2023
Tank Car Committee Meeting Announcement
October 17-19 (Location TBD)
Contact: Ken Dorsey, (202) 639-2262, kdorsey@aar.org
The schedule for all AAR meetings that have been planned for the second half of 2023 are included in the circular or can be accessed online at: http://www.aar.com/AARMeetingAnnouncements
Upcoming Event
SWARS Semi-Annual Meeting
September 27–28, 2023
Greenbrier is a proud sponsor at the SWARS in Coronado, CA.
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.
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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.