This document lists questions and answers for the AAR Embargo/OPSL Notes and Permit System (AAR Embargo System). The questions are divided into the following categories: Embargoes, Permits, and OPSL Notes.
Embargoes
When can I issue an embargo?
Please refer to AAR Circular TD-1, Section II Prohibitions. The circular does not establish standards for determining whether or not an embargo is lawful or unlawful. However, the party placing the embargo is responsible for compliance with applicable laws or regulations.
Can all railroads issue an embargo?
Yes, all railroads that are signatories to the AAR Car Service and Car Hire Agreement (AAR Circular OT-10) can issue embargoes. Before doing so, a railroad must assign an Embargo Officer through Railinc’s Single Sign-On (SSO) Application.
Can a non-railroad issue an embargo?
No. Only railroads may issue an embargo. However, railroads may collaborate with customers to manage traffic. Water carriers listed in AAR Circular OT-10 may also issue embargoes if they have a valid SCAC.
How long can an embargo be in effect?
Embargoes are temporary and default to a one-year expiration. Re-issuance is possible but should not be treated as a long-term solution. Consider an OPSL Note for longer-term situations.
When can I make my embargo effective immediately?
Per TD-1 Circular Section IV, embargoes due to emergencies (e.g., flooding, track damage) can be effective immediately by checking the appropriate box. Embargoes for Congestion/Accumulation should not be immediate.
Can I embargo all stations on my railroad by state?
Yes. An Embargo Officer can use the “Embargo By State” option to quickly cover multiple stations by selecting state-level geography.
Is an Operating Station Notice (OSN) an embargo?
An OSN is similar to an embargo but is not subject to Tier II EDI 824 edits. Waybills are not matched to OSNs; notifications are sent via email subscription only.
What is a Serving Switch Handling Carrier embargo?
This allows multiple carriers to collaborate on a single embargo. Participating Roads are invited to contribute FSAC data. Only the origin road can edit other embargo details.
Can the Issuing Road delete the Serving Switch Handling Carrier from the existing embargo?
Yes, the Issuing Road can amend the embargo and remove any Participating Roads.
Can I be notified when an embargo is issued?
Yes. Users with a Railinc SSO account can subscribe to receive embargo notifications via email. Subscriptions are valid for one year.
What does ‘Bypass Local Waybills’ mean?
If checked, local waybills (same origin and destination road) are excluded from embargo and OPSL Note matching in Railinc’s Forward and Store (F&S) System.
What does ‘Tier II Effective Date’ mean?
This is the date used to begin embargo/OPSL Note matching in F&S. Refer to TD-1 Circular Section IV.
If I check the ‘Include Empty Revenue Cars’ box, will all empties be caught in the embargo?
Only revenue empties submitted with specific EDI 417 codes will be matched if the box is checked. If not checked, they bypass the embargo.
When should I use the ‘Max Car Allowed’ option?
This sets a threshold for unit train size. Trains exceeding this number must have a permit to ship to embargoed destinations.
What do the AND/OR values mean in the ‘Include these Interchanges’ section within Geography?
- AND: Route must match both the origin/destination and the specified interchange.
- OR: Only the interchange must match for the embargo to apply.
What does the ‘Bi-Directional’ check box mean within Geography?
This sets up an embargo to stop traffic in both directions (e.g., A to B and B to A).
I need to use a weight that is not listed in the ‘Total Weight on Rail’ drop down. What should I do?
Select ‘Other’ to input a custom weight in pounds.
What should I do if I cannot locate my customer using the patron CIF lookup by name?
Use wildcard searches (e.g., ABC*). If the patron isn’t in CIF, request their addition via csc@railinc.com.
Will equipment that is not in Umler match an embargo?
No. If the equipment isn’t in Umler, it’s treated as invalid and will not match any embargoes.
Are there any exceptions allowed for embargo weight restricted traffic?
Yes. The Embargo Officer may list exception cars by initial and number (individuals, lists, or ranges).
When do Shortlines receive Hold Notifications?
Shortlines receive notifications when:
- Non-level 4 embargoes or OPSL Notes are issued
- An embargo receives the “All Clear” status
Permits
Who can issue or approve a Permit?
Permit Officers and Administrators. Customers can request directly or a railroad may do so on their behalf.
What does ‘Permits Allowed Per Day’ or ‘Daily Allowance’ mean?
This limits the number of daily permits used against waybills. Exceeding this triggers an 824 error message. The issuing railroad sets this limit.
How many times can I use a permit?
Each permit is valid for one shipment only.
Will my shipment be allowed to move to destination if it is subject to more than one embargo and I have a permit?
Yes, if you have a permit for each embargo in the route.
I have a multi-car waybill; how many permits will I need?
Only one permit per EDI waybill is required, regardless of car count.
OPSL Notes
Note: See embargo explanations, as the processes are similar.
Why should I input an OPSL Note and not an embargo?
Use OPSL Notes for long-term restrictions. These require an assigned OPSL Note number and must be published in the Centralized Station Master (CSM).
What does ‘Information Only OPSL Note’ mean?
Same as an Operating Station Notice. No EDI 824 messages are generated; information is distributed via email.
What if I have questions about the AAR Embargo System?
Contact Railinc’s Customer Success Center:
📞 (877) 724-5462
📧 csc@railinc.com
Legal Disclaimer
Any actions taken in reliance on or pursuant to this document are subject to Railinc's Terms of Use and all applicable AAR rules.
Let me know if you’d like this converted into a PDF or styled for publishing.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.