LEADING THROUGH TRANSITIONS: Announcing the 2016 Annual DP&FC Conference

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1 Damage Prevention and Loading Services FALL 2015 LEADING THROUGH TRANSITIONS: Announcing the 2016 Annual DP&FC Conference After a very successful 2015 Annual Conference, committee chairman and host for the 2016 conference, Mr. Mike Hodgson, Canadian Pacific, announced that the next conference will be held July 11 through 13, 2016 in downtown Montreal, Quebec. We have confirmed that our conference venue will be Le Centre Sheraton Montreal. The Conference Planning Committee met last September and built what promises to be a very educational program based on the theme Leading Through Transitions From What, to Why, to How. The conference kicks off with an elegant reception at the Windsor Ballroom in the heart of downtown Montreal, catered by the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. Mr. Laird Pitz, Vice President and Chief Risk Officer at CP has been invited to provide the keynote address on leadership and the role it plays in risk management. In addition, the Planning Committee has developed an informative program addressing what we do, why we do it, and finally, how we do it. Presentations will include a supplier focus and the problem-solving challenges in transporting paper and canned goods in boxcars, intermodal, and open top loading. And, as has become tradition, a special automotive breakout session will provide updates on industry initiatives such as machine vision technologies and a new Voice of the OEM segment. Back by popular demand, this year s conference will also include an exhibit and trade show highlighting the latest products and services related to quality transportation of freight through the North American rail network. And new for 2016, the Damage Prevention & Freight Claim Committee has agreed to hold its meeting open to all AAR Associate member companies. This meeting will be held the afternoon of Wednesday, July 13 immediately following the Chairman s closing remarks and installation of officers. A special room rate of $ CDN has been negotiated at Le Centre Sheraton Hotel. You can make your reservations now to secure your preferred date by calling Sheraton s Central Reservation office at (800) and asking for the AAR DP&FC Conference. Conference attendance is open to all railroads, shippers, suppliers, and companies involved in freight damage prevention and claims. The date of next year s conference has been specially selected to be sandwiched in between the Montreal International Jazz Festival, scheduled for June 30th-July 9th, and the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival July 7th-30th. Plus, throughout the summer, Montreal will be looking to the skies for the International Fireworks Festival every Wednesday and Saturday evening. So plan on coming early and staying over to take full advantage of this opportunity to experience the unique European atmosphere of one of North America s oldest cities! Remember that a valid passport is required to enter Canada. And GSM cell phone service may be needed to stay connected. Online registration will begin the first week of February Stay tuned for more information.

2 A Special Reunion at the 2015 Annual Conference If you attended this year s conference, you will no doubt remember a very special Welcome Reception in recognition of Gary Held, Director DPLS from 1981 to We were graced by the presence of 10 former DP&FC Committee chairmen, along with a number of former fellow employees who took time to reminisce over the past 30+ years of service working with and for Gary. Gary s trademark firm but subtle leadership guided this division through countless trials and tribulations, and laid the foundation for a strong future. From all of us at the AAR; thank you, Gary! The 59 East Crew : Gary Held (front left), is joined by fellow AAR staffers, most of whom who started their careers with the AAR at 59 East Van Buren Street in Chicago. To Gary s right (front row) Ray Fries, Dwayne Florence and Jim Britton. Back row: Harry Grosso, John Blackman, John Green and Tom Feltault. DPLS Staff Transitions Ray Fries, Manager Field Operations retired in July after over 30 years with the AAR. Ray began his career in Chicago, made the move east to Washington, DC and ultimately chose to live and retire in sunny Florida. Ray was a pioneer in the Automotive Quality Review program, and was highly respected in the industry not only for his knowledge, but also his charm and personality. Congratulations Ray! Filling Ray s very large shoes is David Hendrixon who has been promoted to Manager Field Operations. Dave also serves as committee manager for the Specially Equipped Freight Car Committee. Travis Wolgram has been promoted to Manager AAR Loading Rules and serves as committee manager for the Open Top Loading Rules Committee. And welcome to our newest staff members: Craig Millbauer, Damage Prevention Specialist; Miles Benitez, Damage Prevention Specialist; and Rama Maram, Senior Engineer. Recent DPLS Publications General Information Series No. 744, Double Layer Loads of Nonhazardous Materials Secured with Cordstrap Barriers in a 20-foot Container, Intermodal Loading Guide Method I-4 (New). A revised Intermodal Loading Guide has been approved by the Damage Prevention & Freight Claim Committee, and is expected to be issued by the end of the year pending review and approval by the AAR Hazardous Materials (BOE) Committee. All closed car loading publications are available for free download at: TTCI 2015 Page 2

3 Recent Verifications Company Name Product Performance Profile for Pneumatic Dunnage (PPPPD): Level of Verificati on General Description Date of Verification AB Airbags TUFFY Series Level 3 Polyethylene/Polypropylene July 21, 2015 AB Airbags TUFFY Series Level 4 Polyethylene/Polypropylene October 27, 2015 Bates Cargo-Pak ApS Level 1 Paper June 21, 2015 Atlas/CargoTuff Level 2 Polyethylene/Polypropylene August 30, 2015 International Dunnage Level 1 Polyethylene/Polypropylene with Safe Lock Valve June 29, 2015 International Dunnage Level 2 Polyethylene/Polypropylene with Safe Lock Valve October 9, 2015 International Dunnage Level 5 Polyethylene/Polypropylene with Standard Valve December 5, 2015 Shanghai Shuangzhong Packing Materials Co., Ltd. Level 4 Polyethylene/Polypropylene August 30, 2015 Shippers Products Level 1 Paper with Superflow Valve October 27, 2015 Shippers Products Level 1 Paper with TX Valve November 9, 2015 Shippers Products Level 1 Polyethylene/Polypropylene with TX Valve August 7, 2015 Shippers Products Level 2 Paper with Fast Fill Valve October 9, 2015 Shippers Products Level 2 Polyethylene/Polypropylene with SX Valve May 21, 2015 Shippers Products Level 2 Polyethylene/Polypropylene with TX Valve September 8, 2015 Shippers Products Level 3 Polyethylene/Polypropylene with TX Valve September 8, 2015 Shippers Products Level 4 Polyethylene/Polypropylene with TX Valve September 14, 2015 Shippers Products Level 5 Polyethylene/Polypropylene with TX Valve October 21, 2015 Stopak Level 1 Paper with Jumbo Valve October 27, 2015 Stopak Level 2 Paper with Jumbo Valve June 29, 2015 Stopak Level 3 Paper with Jumbo Valve December 5, 2015 Stopak Level 4 Polyethylene/Polypropylene with Jumbo Valve October 27, 2015 Stopak Level 4 Paper with Jumbo Valve June 2, 2015 Tianjin Zerpo Supply Co., Ltd. Level 1 Polyethylene/Polypropylene August 31, 2015 Tyoga Guardian Level 2 Paper with Jumbo Valve June 29, 2015 US Dunnage, LLC Level 3 Paper May 21, 2015 US Dunnage, LLC Level 4 Paper May 21, 2015 For a complete listing of AAR OLTR Approvals, visit: Page 3 TTCI 2015

4 Quality Lead Team on Prevention of Damage to Paper Update The AAR Quality Lead Team (QLT) on the Prevention of Damage to Paper met on October 27 28, 2015, to continue to address loading methods for roll paper in 60 foot long, double plug door cars. They also provided input regarding the latest draft of the Closed Car Loading Guide Part 2, Best Practices for Loading Roll Paper in Railcars. The final revision will be distributed to the Best Practices TAG for their final review. The next edition is tentatively scheduled for release in early The QLT continues to work on establishing new AAR approved loading patterns. The following field tests are currently being conducted: Diameter (inches) Type Test Type Load Plan Status 36 Fine, coated Field 37 Craft Field Loaded in a pattern with airbags and two unitized stacks in the doorway Loaded in a 3-3 pattern with rubber mats in the doorway In Progress In Progress 40 Coated Field Loaded in a Pattern with Pneumatic Dunnage In Progress 42 Coated/ book/ newsprint Field Rubber mats and air bags used for securement. Same as approved method from the Best Practices Manual Section 6-60 ft-42 Dia, Page 3, except instead of figure 8 type unitizing, the doorway stacks would be unitized with an encircling strap. In Progress 45 Coated Field Loaded in a pattern with doorway per GIS 668 (without unitizing straps) In Progress 48 Coated/ book/ newsprint Field Similar to the currently ongoing field shipment testing for 45-inch diameter rolls per GIS 668. In Progress 50 Coated/ book/ newsprint Field Mixed offset/ 2-2 pattern with air bags and rubber mats; In this test rubber mats were used beneath the six doorway rolls with four unitized in the doorway. Approved 60 Board Field Rubber mats and void fillers used for securement. Similar to Priority 5, which was recently approved for 60-inch roll cellulose. In Progress TTCI 2015 Page 4

5 Open Top Loading Rules Committee Update Figure Affected Circular Letters Issued/Pending Date CL No. Title Section 1 11/05/ Rule 21 12/2/ Rule /2/ Rule 19 12/2/ Rule /2/ Rule /2/ Rule 2 12/2/ A 147-C 147-D /30/ /2/ /04/ Section 1 Implementation Editorial Changes Section 1 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR)- Removal of References to Section 4. IMPLEMENTATION OF EDITORIAL CHANGES TO SECTION 1 - RULE 21 CHAIN, BINDERS, AND ASSEMBLIES (NEW RULE , AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual IMPLEMENTATION OF Additions of New Rules to SECTION 1 - RULE 6.5 Machines Equipped with Pneumatic Tires, AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR) IMPLEMENTATION OF EDITORIAL CHANGES TO SECTION 1 - RULE 19 NON-METALLIC STRAPPING, AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR) IMPLEMENTATION OF EDITORIAL CHANGES TO SECTION 1 - RULE 28.2 LOAD CLEARENCES (RULE ), AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR) IMPLEMENTATION OF EDITORIAL CHANGES TO SECTION 1 - RULE 5.2 LOAD RESTRAINT APPLICATIONS (NEW RULE ), AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR) IMPLEMENTATION OF EDITORIAL CHANGES TO SECTION 1 - RULE 2 REQUIRED CLEARENCES (NEW RULE 2.1.2), AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR) Section 2 Implementation Editorial Changes to Figures 147-A, 147-C and 147-D Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual "Sweet Gum Timbers as a suitable substitute for Hardwood. Implementation Editorial Changes to 200 Series Figures Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual- Sweet Gum Timbers as a suitable substitute for Hardwood. Implementation Editorial Changes to 200 Series Figures Section 2 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual 14-B 11/10/ Implementation of New Figure to Section 2 Figure 14-B PLATE STEEL HORIZONTAL, MULTIPLE PILES- BULKHEAD OR FLAT CARS - AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual /2/ Implementation Editorial Changes to Figure 298 PIPE, STEEL, BARE, COATED, OR WRAPPED, 16 IN. TO 72 IN. O.D., 80 FT LONG FLATCARS, 89 FT, WITH CUSHIONING DEVICES AND FIXED CONTOURED BEARING PIECES, Section 2, AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual 43-R 12/2/ Implementation Editorial Changes to Figure 43-R LOGS, ALUMINUM, 6 IN.TO12 IN. O.D., 16 FT LONG AND OVER-CENTER A-FRAME FLATCARS, WITH CABLE TIE-DOWNS, Section 2, AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual 14 12/2/ Solicitation of comments to Modify Items B and E in Figure 14, Section 2, AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual - length of crosswise bearing pieces and separators. Section /2/ Implementation to Archive Figure 51, Section 2, AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual 123 9/30/ Solicitation of comments to Archive Figure 123, Pipe, Steel, 26 in. O.D. and Less, Uniform or Mixed Lengths and Diameters, with Wire, NO. 3 Gauge High Tension Gondolas Section /2/ Implementation to Archive Figure 135, Section 2, AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual 54-B 12/2/ B 12/2/ Section 5 Implementation Editorial Changes to Figure 54-B LUMBER, 4 FT TO 8 FT LONG, PACKAGED CENTER A-FRAME FLATCARS, WITH CABLE TIE-DOWNS Section 5, AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual - approved the use of Type 1A Grade 7 strap to be added to locations in which it is only possible to use one cable, and the use of Type 1A Grade 4 nonmetallic strap as a substitute for 3/4-inch x package bands (Items K and M) Implementation Editorial Changes to FIGURE 58-B CROSSTIES, PACKAGED, TREATED, UNTREATED, OR PLASTIC FLATCARS, WITH CENTER A-FRAME, PERMANENT END BULKHEADS, AND CABLE TIE-DOWN SYSTEM Section 5, AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual Page 5 TTCI 2015

6 Circular Letters Issued/Pending (continued) 112-A 12/2/ /2/ C 12/2/ /2/ B 88-F 88-I 12/2/ Solicitation of comments to Modify Note 3 in Fig 112-A from Sec 5 to reflect an actual load height allowance (not all BHs have stencil) Section 5 AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR) Implementation Editorial Changes to Figure 37 PANEL PRODUCTS, PACKAGED 6 FT LONG OR OVER, 40 IN. HIGH OR LESS CENTER A-FRAME FLATCARS, WITH CABLE TIE- DOWNS Section 5, AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual Implementation New Figure 58-C RAILROAD TIES, TREATED OR UNTREATED, PACKAGED, 8-FT LONG AND OVER FLATCARS WITH CENTER A-FRAME, PERMANENT END BULKHEADS, CUSHIONING DEVICES, AND CABLE TIE-DOWN SYSTEM Section 5, AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual Implementation Editorial Changes to FIGURE 35 PANEL PRODUCTS, UNCOATED, 8 FT LONG AND OVER, PACKAGED IN UNIFORM LENGTH AND WIDTH BULKHEAD FLATCARS Section 5, AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual, Crosswise Packages Section 6 Implementation of Editorial changes to Figure 88-B MILITARY VEHICLES, PNEUMATIC TIRES, NON-ARTICULATED, 75,850 LB OR LESS, SECURED WITH CHAINS-FLATCARS, 88-F MILITARY VEHICLES, ARMOURED, PNEUMATIC TIRES, NON-ARTICULATED, 75,850 LB OR LESS, SECURED WITH CHAINS-FLATCARS and 88-I TRACTORS, TRUCK, HEAVY, 36,500 LB OR LESS, SECURED WITH CHAINS-FLATCARS Section 6, AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual Recent OTLR Approvals and Re-Approvals Company Name Expiration Date OTLR Table Sund Birsta AB N/A 17.6 ACME/Signode 7/ /17.9 Signode (Mexico) 7/ ACME Packaging Corp. N/A Signode Packaging Systems N/A Caristrap International, Inc 7/ Southern Strapping 12/ Carolina Strapping 8/ Buffers USA, Inc. 8/ /19.3 Dubose Strapping, Inc. 7/ /17.8 Samuel Strapping Systems 8/ Gerrard-Oval Strapping 8/ Teufelberger GesmbH-Austria 12/ Hangzhou Fuyang Hua Chen Plastic Co. Ltd.-China 8/ US Strapping Co. 8/ GAPCO 9/ Oppermann Webbing, Inc 10/ Ribbon Weaving Corp. 7/ Pacific Cargo 6/ Ancra Intnternational 7/ Independent Metal Strap Co. 4/ Sam Hwan Steel - Korea 7/ Sam Hwan Steel - Vietnam 7/ For a complete listing of AAR OLTR Approvals, visit: TTCI 2015 Page 6

7 Open Top Loading Rules Committee Investigates Pipe Load Failures Travis Wolgram, Manager AAR Loading Rules The Open Top Loading Rules Committee is currently investigating the cause of several derailments and lost loads of steel pipe on bulkhead flatcars. The loads in question are approved loading methods (Figure 128, Section 2 Open Top Loading Rules Manual). These are controlled floating loads secured with non-metallic, encircling and interlacing straps. All incidents have occurred on 5- to 6-degree curves while traveling below balanced speed. An impact test was conducted, followed by test runs around the 9-mile Transit Test Track (TTT) at Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado. Tests were run in both directions and at speeds ranging from 5 to 20 mph. A lateral movement of 2 inches was observed on each side of the load during the test. The next step in this investigation is to rebuild the load with steel encircling and interlacing bands, and test to determine if the same lateral movement occurs. Figure 128, Section 2 Open Top Loading Rules Manual, Load of Pipe Derailment Caused by Pipe Load Page 7 TTCI 2015

8 SEFCC Committee Update Cut Convenience Handles The number of cut convenience handles (grab handles) has drastically increased in As of November 6, 2015, there have been 33 incidents reported which is more than the reported incidents of 2013 and 2014 combined. The SEFCC and VEQ has requested that any multi-level that arrives at a Destination Facility with a convenience handle lock still applied be shopped and repaired by local railroad mechanical shops. This will allow the mechanical shop to remove the lock and replace the convenience handles if they need to be cut. The SEFCC is concerned that Destination Facilities are removing the lock and not reporting the convenience handles are being cut. Appendix B - M&R Pool Locations The M&R Pool Location webpage is now available on the TTCI website. This information will be used in the future to determine the certification status of facilities that participate in an M&R Pool. If a facility needs to be added to the list, or information updated, please fill out the Pool Location Input Form on the website and send to David_Hendrixon@aar.com to be included on the next update. The M&R Pool Location file is updated on a monthly basis. All of this information can be found at the following link: Circular Letters Issued Section Affected Date CL No. Title M990 10/22/2015 C Implementation of Revision to MSRP Section N, Specification M-990, Tie-Down Tracks, Wheel RP811 & RP831 Chocks, and Straps Tri-Level Auto Racks 9/30/2015 C Implementation of additions to RP-811- Loading of Vehicles and RP831- Jump Chock Series Codes Appendix B 9/15/2015 C Implementation of Revisions to Office Manual, Appendix B General Rules 2 & 3. TTCI 2015 Page 8

9 Identifying Coupler and Deck Height Measurement Reference Points David Hendrixon, Manager Field Operation During Quality Reviews, a frequently asked question of how to measure junction spacing and deck height differences of the new Auto Flex, National Steel Car, and MultiMax multi-levels comes up. The following photos will illustrate the reference points for determining the correct coupler distance and deck height measurement for each type of new multi-level. Auto Flex The reference point for determining the coupler spread is measured from the back of the barrel ring to the first point of rest on the deck of the adjacent multi-level. Auto Flex The reference point for measuring the deck height is from top of rail to the base of the deck beneath the flipper plate. National Steel Car The reference point for determining the coupler spread is measured from the back of the barrel ring to the first point of rest on the adjacent deck. National Steel Car The reference point for measuring the deck height is from top of rail to the base of the deck. Page 9 TTCI 2015

10 MultiMax - The reference point for determining the coupler spread is measured from the back of the barrel ring of the adjacent car to the first point of contact of the deck. MultiMax - The reference point for measuring the deck height is from top of rail to the base of the highest support plate to which the barrel rings are attached. In most cases when one of these new multi-levels is coupled to a radial or rave end door, the deck height difference will exceed 3 inches. Although it is acceptable to spot deck height differences of up to 4 inches together, a spotter must be used for each vehicle type that crosses these junctions that have a difference of 3 inches or greater. National Steel Car coupled to a radial end door with a deck height difference measuring 3.5 inches TTCI 2015 Page 10

11 Coming Soon: Web-based Training New types of training programs are on the horizon! Innovative contractor training and auditing programs have been highlighted in our newsletter before, but what is AAR/TTCI doing to prepare new employees to handle vehicles in a safe, damage-free manner, while keeping current associates up to date on proper vehicle securement methods and procedural changes? Web-based training modules are the latest way we are meeting our customers needs for the future. This interactive training allows the customer to monitor usage, collect individual test scores, and even track how much time was spent on each slide or video. This modular method of training is excellent for new hires, or for testing a new temporary employee before they even arrive at a facility. The modules work like building blocks, so as a person masters one skillset, another can be added without large amounts of repetitive information. In addition, the modules can be used as refresher courses and are tailored to focus only on the associate s area of responsibility. Some of the areas that would be covered in the modular training would be; placement of multi-levels, multi-level pre-trip inspection, bridge plate and ramp inspection and maintenance, vehicle baying procedures, vehicle loading procedures, vehicle securement procedures and vehicle post loading inspections. Stay tuned, the roll out of the first web-based interactive training is planned for early Quality Review Update The following shows the Fourth Quarter 2015 and current program quality through the present for each section of the Quality Reviews. Origin Quality Review 4 th Quarter Current Program Averages Overall Score 94.80% 94.47% Mechanical 90.07% 93.05% Transportation 94.44% 93.89% Mfr. Contractor 96.40% 95.17% Facility Procedures 95.87% 94.27% Destination Reviews 4 th Quarter Current Program Averages Overall Score 95.97% 96.83% Transportation 95.31% 95.06% End Drs./B/Plates 97.53% 96.90% Unloading 95.78% 97.60% Baying 95.49% 97.58% Facility Procedures 96.38% 95.90% Page 11 TTCI 2015

12 Our Staff Damage Prevention & Loading Services P.O. Box 11130, DOT Road Pueblo, CO Tom Feltault Director DPLS Office: Cell: Pat Breslin Sr. Mgr. Auto Damage Prevention Phone: Craig Millbauer Damage Prevention Specialist Office: Cell: Miles Benitez Damage Prevention Specialist Office: Cell: David Hendrixon Manager Field Operations Office: Cell: Travis Wolgram Manager AAR Loading Rules Office: Cell: Rama Krishna Maram Sr. Engineer Office: Cell: TTCI s Mission: To provide our customers highly effective and efficient railway research, consulting, testing, system engineering, inspections, training, and technical support for standards in a safe manner, ensuring the highest level of integrity while providing our employees a challenging and sustainable work environment. FROM THE AAR/TTCI DP&LS STAFF TTCI 2015 Page 12