Publications

  • Technical Publications: Find publications on AAR interchange rules, open top loading rules, standards and recommended practices and other technical topics.
  • AAR Circulars: Access the fee-based circular letter library from MxV Rail (formerly Transportation Technology Center, Inc).
  • Data Publications: Find publications from the AAR’s Policy and Economics Department on rail traffic, finances and operations. AAR publications are free for AAR members. With the exception of the Railroad Facts book — we have discontinued print copies and only offer downloadable PDFs, which non-members can purchase. For questions, email [email protected]

Reports

  • The Economic Impact of a Railroad Shutdown (September 2022): Tens of thousands of rail customer locations — from sprawling auto plants to mom-and-pop retailers — depend on railroads to deliver raw materials and finished products. If these and other rail shipments were halted, the loss in economic output would likely be at least $2 billion per day.
  • Freight Railroads & Climate Change (March 2021): As the leader in fuel-efficient surface transportation, railroads encourage lawmakers to embrace economically grounded, market-based solutions capable of shifting the nation toward lower-or-zero-carbon choices.
  • The Positive Environmental Effects of Increased Freight by Rail Movements in America (June 2020): This paper contextualizes how and why freight rail provides a solution that helps decrease the country’s carbon emissions and reduces transportation’s overall environmental impact. It also outlines related matters of public policy — including areas that would clearly deter increased freight-by-rail movements.
  • NUTC: Through COVID & Beyond, Freight Rail is Resilient & Essential (May 2021): A report from the esteemed Northwestern University Transportation Center (NUTC) substantiates freight railroads’ nimble response to the COVID-19 pandemic and capacity to meet demand and navigate market disruptions.
  • ASCE Report Card: Freight Rail Infrastructure (2021): Released every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) awarded America’s rail network the highest grade —  a B —  in its most recent report. The high marks for America’s privately funded freight rail system stand in stark contrast to taxpayer-funded transportation infrastructure.