AAR Embargo/OPSL System – Issuing an Embargo

The AAR Embargo/OPSL System is used to issue embargoes or OPSL notes. These tools allow railroads to temporarily control traffic movements.

• Embargo: Valid for one year.

• OPSL Note: Valid for more than one year.

Note: This example uses an embargo, but the process for each is largely the same.

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Procedure: How to Issue an Embargo

1. Log In:

   • Sign in to Launch Pad.

   • Navigate to the AAR Embargo/OPSL Permit System.

2. Begin the Process:

   • From the menu bar, select:
     Embargoes > Issue Embargo.

3. General Embargo Information:

   • Issuing Road: Select the railroad creating the embargo.

   • Op Station Notice:

     • Sends email to affected parties.

     • Automatically sets:

       • Allow Permits: No

       • Bypass Local Waybills: Yes

       • EDI 824 Hold Notifications are NOT delivered.

   • Effective Immediately:

     • For emergencies (e.g., bridge outages).

     • Becomes effective right after AAR approval.

     • If unchecked, becomes effective 48 hours after AAR approval (midnight).

   • Allow Permits:

     • Set to Yes to allow permit requests.

     • Enables entry of Permit Contact Email/URL.

   • Allow Admin Issued Permits:

     • Allows users with admin rights to issue permits, even when “Allow Permits” is No.

   • Include All Empty Cars:

     • Used only for:

       • Weather conditions

       • Derailments

       • Bridge outages

       • Catastrophic events

       • Spontaneous labor actions

4. Car Limit Fields:

   • Check Min Car Allowed or Max Car Allowed to enable corresponding number fields.

5. Cause & Details:

   • Choose a cause for the embargo.

   • Enter relevant details.

6. Commodity Targeting:

   • Target Select Commodities: Enter or search for commodities.

   • Target All Commodities: Enter commodities to exclude or allow.

7. Geography Section:

   • Origin/Destination:

     1. Include FSACs or States.

     2. Exclude FSACs or States.

     3. Interchanges:

        • AND: Waybill must match both station and interchange.

        • OR: Waybill must match either route or origin/destination.

   • Templates can be created here for commonly used routes.

8. Equipment Section:

   • Select equipment types/characteristics from Umler.

   • For weight restrictions:

     • Use Total Weight on Rail drop-downs.

     • Use Except These Cars field to list exemptions.

9. Waybill Party Targeting:

   • Target Select Waybill Parties: Enter specific CIFs.

   • Target All Waybill Parties: Enter CIFs to be excluded.

   • Choose to include Any or All CIFs listed.

     • If "All" is selected, all CIFs must be on the waybill to receive an EDI 824 hold.

10. Finalize Submission:

    • Click Save Draft to save progress.

    • Click Issue Embargo to submit.

    • You will be prompted to confirm submission.

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Post-Submission Notes

• Embargo Numbers:

  • Automatically generated when the form is submitted.

  • Embargoes remain Pending until approved by an AAR administrator.

• OPSL Note Numbers:

  • Must be obtained by contacting Railinc’s Customer Success Center.