Association of American Railroads


The Association of American Railroads is an industry trade group representing primarily the major freight railroads of North America. Amtrak and some regional commuter railroads are also members. Smaller freight railroads are typically represented by the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, although some smaller railroads and railroad holding companies are also members of the AAR. The AAR also has two associate programs, and most associates are suppliers to the railroad industry.
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Creation

AAR was created October 12, 1934, by the merger of five industry-related groups:
William George Besler was its first President.

Facilities and subsidiaries

The AAR is headquartered in Washington, D.C., near the U.S. Capitol.
Railinc, the Association of American Railroads’ IT subsidiary based in Cary, North Carolina, operates key systems such as Umler, the Interline Settlement System, and the Embargoes system, supporting North American rail operations. Handling about nine million daily EDI messages, it serves railroads, equipment owners, and suppliers, and maintains the industry’s official code tables. Originally an AAR department, it became a for-profit subsidiary in 1999.
Another subsidiary, the Transportation Technology Center, Inc., operates and maintains the Transportation Technology Center, a facility northeast of Pueblo, Colorado, owned by the United States Department of Transportation. The facility is under a care, custody and control contract with the Federal Railroad Administration. TTCI has an array of specialized testing facilities and tracks. The site enables testing of freight and passenger rolling stock, vehicle and track components, and safety devices.

Functions

Where appropriate, the AAR represents its members' interests to the public at large and to Congress and government regulators in particular. The AAR works to improve the efficiency, safety and service of the railroad industry, such as through its responsibility for the industry's interchange rules and equipment specifications, e.g. for locomotive multiple unit control.
One of the AAR's duties is to oversee the assignment of reporting marks - two to four letter codes that uniquely identify the owner of any piece of railroad rolling stock or intermodal freight transport equipment that can be carried on a railroad.

Reports

In November 2013 the AAR urged the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to press for improved tank car safety by requiring all tank cars used to transport flammable liquids to be retrofitted or phased out, and new cars be built to more stringent standards."

Members

AAR Full Members

AAR Special Members (Canadian and Mexican Railroads)

Former members