AAR Tank Car Committee

Understanding CPC-1354

RAILWAY AGE, FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE: On Jan. 1, 2020, Association of American Railroads (AAR) revisions to the requirements in Appendix B of AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP), Section C-III Specifications for Tank Cars (M-1002) and related changes to certain Chapter 1 definitions officially went into effect for the tank car industry (hereafter, “Appendix B”). These revisions were proposed Nov. 22, 2019, in Casualty Prevention Circular (CPC) 1353 and finalized on Dec. 20, 2019, in CPC-1354.

AAR comments to PHMSA stress efficiency as well as safety

The Association of American Railroads on Sept. 30, 2014 submitted its comments on the U.S. Department of Transportation-Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) on standards for tank cars carrying flammable liquids such as crude oil and ethanol. “When considering the final rule, the DOT should take into account not only the crude by rail safety measures outlined in the industry’s voluntary agreement with the DOT, but the fact that the increased movement of crude oil, in particular, represents America’s move toward energy independence,” said AAR President and CEO Ed Hamberger.