Help us meet your transportation requirements for safe, damage-free shipping! Please consult our equipment guidelines to ensure that you are well informed about our programs and processes for properly handling shipping equipment.

General Guidelines

• Car Order Program
• Overload Policy
• Private Empty Railcars

AAR Loading Rules

• Change to Section 1 of AAR Open Top Loading Rules: Welding - Circular C-11462, Rule 14 - July, 2011
• Change to Section 1 of AAR Open Top Loading Rules: Overhang Load - Circular C-11461, Rule 29 - July, 2011
• Seal-joint banding used when loading open top railcars - October 1, 2008
• Open top winter loading rules: November 1 – March 1
• New AAR loading rules for packaged lumber on centerbeam cars – Circular C-10355
• Open top loading rules: break wheel clearances - Circular C-10477 (PDF)
• New Sections 1 and 7 Open Top Loading Rules Manuals (PDF)
• Rule 5 of AAR Circular No. 42-J (pdf)

Loading Instructions

• Loading Instructions - Bulkhead Flat Cars - Strap Stowage and Tie Down (PDF)
• Loading Instructions - Centerbeam Cars - Securing Cables (PDF)

Damage Prevention Tips

• How to properly handle and secure boxcar doors
• Shipping with the top down!