Operations
This valuable resource section is for professionals who interface with railroads on an operational basis and need vital information necessary to the keep our railroads operating safely and orderly.
- Circulars – Issued several times monthly, these provide AAR members with important administrative and technical information including industry letter ballots and results, arbitration decisions, notification of rules and standards revisions, industry early warning and maintenance advisories, and other information related to mechanical rules and standards. Circulars are a fee-based service provided by Transportation Technology Center Inc. in Pueblo, CO, a wholly owned subsidiary of the AAR.
For further assistance regarding circulars, contact Kathy Pacheco-Trujillo at 719-584-0538
- Embargoes and OPSL Notes – This is a temporary method for controlling traffic when the serving railroad perceives congestion or any other operational or physical impairments that warrant restrictions. Visit the AAR Embargo and Open & Prepay Station List (OPSL) Permit Management Systems site for more information.
- Running Repair Agents –These are contractors who perform the work of running repairs on freight cars on behalf of railroads or private car owners. Running Repair Agents must be signatory to the AAR Interchange Rules. A listing of Running Repair Agents may be found here.
- Intermodal Freight Form Js – A required report (per AAR Intermodal Interchange Rule 121) filled out during the interchange process, Form J-1 details container/trailer information, shipping information, drayage contractor, time of interchange and any damage to the unit. Form J-2 may accompany form J-1 to document any damage or loss for which the handling carrier is responsible.
- AAR Industry Standards – The Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI), a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads, manages and distributes AAR publications covering technical standards and quality assurance, mechanical inspection, AAR Interchange Rules, Bureau of Publications, and the results of TTCI research.
- Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) – The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government. It is divided into 50 titles that represent broad areas subject to Federal regulation. Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations covers transportation.
- U.S. Code – The United States Code is the codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the United States. It is divided by broad subjects into 50 titles and published by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Title 45 of the U.S. Code covers railroads, and Title 49 covers transportation.
- AAR Intermodal Committee Loading Capabilities Guide