Intermodal Container and Trailer Loading Methods

Though established test procedures the Damage Prevention and Loading Services group develops successful loading methods and evaluates new materials to prevent freight damage and ensure safe movement. The Damage Prevention and Freight Claim Committee reviews and approves all new intermodal  container and trailer loading methods and materials for intermodal rail service prior to publication.

DPLS publications are available for free download.

Circular 43-H: Rules Governing the Loading, Blocking, and Bracing of Freight in Closed Containers and Trailers for Intermodal Service (8/22)

Intermodal Loading Guide for Products in Closed Trailers and Containers (01/16)

GIS Updates

755 55-Gallon Steel Drums on Pallets Secured with Cordstrap® Barriers in 40-ft ISO Containers (11/16)

768 Gearboxes Mounted on Sleds in 20 ft. Long ISO Containers (9/17)

778 Split Loads of 58 in. Diameter Roll Pulpboard on End Using Rubber Mats when Stowed in Trailers Having Large Metal Plates Approximately 9 ft. in Length at the Nose (3/18)

783 Case Goods Secured with Tuff Wrap™ D.I.D. Bags (4/18)

784 Case Goods Secured with Rothschenk S.A.M.D.I.D. Bags (5/18)

787 Universal Storage Containers® Loaded in 53 ft. Intermodal Containers (7/18)

797 Split Loads of 58 in. Diameter Roll Pulpboard on End Using Rubber Mats when Stowed in Trailers Having Large Metal Plates Approximately 9 ft. in Length at the Nose (11/18)

798 Intermodal Loads Secured with Ty-Gard DS™ Barriers (11/18)

799 46 in. to 57 in. Diameter Roll Paper on End Using Rubber Mats (12/18)

800 54 in. Diameter Paperboard on End Using Rubber Mats (12/18)

817 Case Goods Secured with Stopak Max Blocker D.I.D Bags (Revised 9/19)

822 Palletized or Crated Auto Parts Secured by Web Strap Assemblies in 53 ft. Containers (9/19)

824 Case Goods Secured with Stopak Blocker D.I.D. Bags (10/19)

827 Drum Layer Separators for Intermodal Shipments (Hazardous or Nonhazardous) (11/19)

833 Double Layer Loads of Hazardous or Nonhazardous Materials Secured with Cordstrap® Barriers in a 20-ft Container (4/20)

834 Hazardous or Nonhazardous Loads Secured with Cordstrap® Barriers in 40-ft Containers (4/20)

835 Double Layer Loads of Nonhazardous Materials Secured with HLASH RHS Securement System in a 20-ft Container (4/20)

852 Case Goods Secured with Cargo Tuff Dually™ D.I.D. Bags (9/20)

861 Case Goods Secured with Floor Blocking and the Super Wedge® XL, Intermodal Wedge® XL, or Intermodal Wedge® (Logistick Inc.) (3/21)

872 Nonhazardous Loads Secured with Cordstrap® Barriers in 20-ft and 40-ft Containers (7/22)

For General Information Bulletins and Pneumatic Dunnage Product Verification List please reference Closed Car Loading Publications.

Flexitank Loading Information

Flexitanks that have successfully completed rail impact testing and simulation or field testing are review by the Damage Prevention and Freight Claim Committee and may receive conditional approval. Rail carriers must be contacted for individual approval prior to any shipments.
Contact dpls@aar.com for further information.

AAR Conditionally Approved Flexitanks (3/23)

Rail Carrier Flexitank Contact List

Minimum Acceptance Criteria for Flexitanks (Conditional Approval) (11/23)

Archived Intermodal Loading Publications

Publications that have been archived are available on request – contact dpls@aar.com