ReMA intervention leads to AAR rescinding June revisions to gondola loading rules.The American Association of Railroads has restored the long-standing 2008 requirements for open-top container loading.
The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), Washington, has been successful in its bid to get the Association of American Railroads (AAR) to rescind its late June revision to the loading rules for open-top gondola trailers.
When the rules were published, ReMA called them a significant departure from the previous rules and expressed concern about associated operational and safety issues for the metals recycling industry. They would have expanded the 12-inch clearance and covering requirements for light scrap to all forms of loose scrap, with ReMA estimating it could reduce usable railcar capacity and increase the number of railcars needed, “raising transportation costs and placing strain on an already constrained rail network.”
Before the rule was rescinded, ReMA had asked AAR to pause its implementation to give stakeholders time to work together “to better understand the rationale for the changes and identify practical solutions that protect safety across both industries without disrupting the recycling supply chain.”
Instead, the AAR agreed to rescind the June revisions and restore the long-standing 2008 requirements.
“The decision follows a joint effort by ReMA, the Steel Manufacturers Association and engaged members, who demonstrated that the proposed changes would reduce usable railcar capacity by 12–18 percent—significantly increasing safety risks, raising transportation costs and disrupting the supply of recycled metal to domestic manufacturers,” ReMA tells Recycling Today.
Additionally, AAR has agreed to include ReMA representatives on a newly established Technical Advisory Group to collaboratively review and update the rules by January 2027.
ReMA urges its members to continue to comply with the existing 2008 loading requirements while the association works with AAR to develop what it describes as “practical, safety-focused improvements that minimize disruption to the industry.”