Logistics professionals should be familiar with national and global standards for securing cargo. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is the leading authority for intermodal and freight rail securement standards. Understanding AAR standards is crucial for ensuring compliance and safety in cargo transportation. We care about providing you with high quality information and AAR Approved Cargo Securing Systems as the leading innovators in freight securement systems, this blog post will cover:

• Understanding AAR freight securement.
• Types of AAR approved freight securement equipment.

Understanding AAR freight securement:

AAR Resources Overview

The Association of American Railroads is committed to providing you with the information relevant to your freight transport and securement. According to the AAR MxV Rail Technical Services Welcome Page: The AAR technical service group of committees are responsible for the development, maintenance, and enforcement of North American Railroad interchange rules, mechanical standards, and component specifications that promote an acceptable level of safety and efficiency.

The AAR provides on the same page, a list of resources they provide via their technical services, additionally you can find:

• Up-to-Date AAR Publications.
• Information on Intermodal Transport
• A Price List for their Physical and Digital Resources
• and Damage Prevention Information, where our blog post will focus on.

AAR Load Securing Information:

The AAR standards of damage prevention and freight claims provide a number of resources for understanding AAR Approved load securement including: a list of relevant information and contacts, closed car loading publications, intermodal loading publications, and a training page with helpful videos. In order to make sure you are properly informed to AAR Approved Securing Methods: make sure you review the damage training videos, understand your freight container/cargo specifications to ensure you are following the correct guidelines, and reach out to a securement specialist if you have any additional questions.

Types of AAR Approved Load Securing Systems:

Before securing your rail cargo, you should ensure that you understand the needs and standards that the AAR approves. We have an entire section of Logistick products approved by the AAR, however – we encourage you to make sure you are using products that are correct for your specific load, and that you review both the Closed Car Loading Guide-Freight in General Purpose Boxcars (Issued August 2021) as well as the Intermodal Loading Guide for Products in Closed Containers and Trailers (Approved 02/2024) Here we will review general descriptions of select AAR Approved freight securement systems.

Tie-Down Straps and Buckles

Tie-down straps and buckles are versatile load-securing tools that anchor cargo firmly onto trucks. Made from durable materials like polyester webbing, these straps can withstand high tension and provide a reliable grip on various types of freight. Ratchet buckles allow for precise tension adjustments, ensuring that the load remains stable throughout the journey.

Intermodal Wedges

Intermodal wedges are designed specifically to secure cargo in intermodal shipping containers. These wedges fit snugly between the cargo and the container walls, preventing movement during transportation. Their unique shape and material composition allow for easy installation and removal, making them a practical choice for logistics professionals who need to secure loads quickly and efficiently. You can find Super Wedge® XL, Intermodal Wedge® XL, or Intermodal Wedge® in the Intermodal Loading Guide Section 4.5.2 – The AAR Lists:

• The Super Wedge XL may be used in intermodal containers or trailers with metal lined sidewalls.
• The intermodal Wedge XL may be used in domestic intermodal containers or trailers with metal corrugated sidewalls. The wedge must fit the vertical groove of the corrugated sidewall.
• The intermodal wedge may be used in ISO intermodal containers with metal corrugated sidewalls. The wedge must fit the vertical groove of the corrugated sidewall.

Floor Braces

Floor braces are critical for stabilizing cargo at the base of the transport vehicle. These braces distribute the weight evenly across the floor and prevent cargo from shifting side to side or tipping over. By anchoring the cargo securely to the vehicle’s floor, these braces help maintain the integrity of the load during transit. You can see the use of Floor Brace® XL in the Intermodal Loading Guide in section 3.6.3.1

Void Fillers

Void fillers fill empty spaces within a cargo load, preventing items from shifting and causing potential damage. They can be made from various materials, including inflatable bags, foam, and cardboard. By occupying the vacant spaces, void fillers ensure that the load remains compact and stable throughout transportation. Void fillers are cost-effective and easy to use, making them a practical addition to any load-securing strategy.

Proper load-securing systems are vital for maintaining cargo safety and reducing the risk of accidents on the road. Understanding and implementing AAR-approved options can significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of your logistics operations. Browse Logistick’s selection of AAR-approved securement tools and our one-way load bars for truck trailers. Contact us for additional information on cargo securement best practices.

How to Find AAR Approved Load Securement Methods:

Beyond the categories we’ve reviewed above, we care about making it easy and simple for you to find the best freight securement solutions for your rail transported cargo. As a helpful tip, we recommend you review the AAR Intermodal Loading Guide for Products in Closed Trailers and Containers section 6.0 for approved load securement methods – by commodity.

You can also contact your freight securement specialist here at Logistick, and we will help guide you toward the right way to secure your freight.