Acacso Conference May 2013, Las Vegas (NV)
This presentation provides a practical overview of AAR Car Service Rules 1 through 6 as published in Circular OT-10, explaining how the rules govern the loading, handling, routing, and return of foreign freight cars. It provides both the rule language and the operational purpose behind each rule, helping users understand how the rules support efficient car utilization and movement throughout the North American rail network.
The session explains when empty foreign cars may be loaded, how cars not needed for loading should be handled, and the options available for returning cars through direct and indirect railroad connections. It also addresses notification requirements when cars are stored and explains the role of junctions and interchange relationships in determining proper empty-car handling.
Additional topics include voluntary car-flow balancing arrangements, the handling of empty boxcars moving under 49 CFR 1039.14, and a home road's ability to require empty equipment to be returned through the original junction. Together, these rules provide important guidance for car service personnel responsible for equipment utilization, empty-car distribution, interchange, and compliance with AAR Car Service Rules.
AAR Car Service Rules, Circular OT-10, OT-10, Car Service Rule 1, Car Service Rule 2, Car Service Rule 4, Car Service Rule 5, Car Service Rule 6, empty foreign cars, foreign freight cars, empty car handling, empty car routing, railroad interchange, railroad junctions, car flow balancing, 49 CFR 1039.14, empty mileage charges, freight car utilization, equipment distribution, car service, railroad equipment management