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
- Freight Railroads & Climate Change (March 2023): As cumulative global emissions and CO2-attributable warming continue to rise annually, the need for immediate emissions reductions and smart policies to transition toward a net-zero economy is critical. Railroads remain a responsible partner capable of delivering sustainable transportation solutions in the near-term and for the long haul. Read our updated climate change report to see the policy strategies we encourage policymakers to embrace, including encouraging modal shift, supporting innovative technology solutions and allowing for varied approaches.
- 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.
- 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.