America’s freight railroads operate the safest, most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sound freight transportation system in the world — and the Association of American Railroads works every day to keep it that way.

Founded in 1934, AAR is the world’s leading railroad policy, research, standard setting and technology organization that focuses on the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry. AAR Full members include the seven major Class I freight railroads in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak. Affiliates and Associates include non-Class I and commuter railroads, rail supply companies, engineering firms, signal and communications firms and railcar owners.

• Policy Making: Working with elected officials and leaders in Washington, DC, AAR advances sound public policy that supports the interests of the freight rail industry to ensure it will continue to meet America’s transportation needs today and tomorrow.
• Standard Setting: As the standard setting organization for North America’s railroads, AAR establishes safety, security and operating standards that provide seamless and safe operations across America’s private 140,000-mile freight rail network.
• Industry Data, Reports and Publications: AAR prepares weekly, quarterly and annual statistical reports to provide comprehensive insight into the operations of North America’s freight railroads. AAR members can access our publications catalog, which offer economic, financial, policy, operational and general statistical information about freight railroads.
• Research and Technology Initiatives: Through its two subsidiaries, the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) and Railinc, AAR supports continued research and development projects to enhance the safety, security and efficiency of the railroad industry. TTCI is the world’s leading research, development and testing facility, and develops next-generation technology advancements in safety and operational efficiency. Railinc serves as the rail industry’s leading resource for rail data, information technology and information services, and uses one of the world’s largest data networks to track customer shipments. AAR also supports the Railroad Research Foundation, a world-class policy research organization dedicated to sustaining a safe, secure and technologically advanced rail network.