AAR Certification & Rail Load Securement: Why It Matters Association of American Railroads

As a Gold Associate Member of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), Cordstrap brings unmatched expertise in rail cargo securement. Whether you're shipping via open-topped cars, closed cars, or intermodal containers, our solutions ensure compliance with industry standards while protecting your freight from damage and movement.

We also maintain active membership in the American Short Line & Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) and assist Canadian shippers in meeting Railway Association of Canada (RAC) procedures. Through close collaboration with regulators and engineers, Cordstrap has helped develop and validate new loading methods — including impact testing, over-the-road trials, and procedure development at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, CO.

 

Replacing Steel Banding with Approved Alternatives

Traditional steel banding has long been used to secure cargo — but it comes with downsides: potential product damage, safety risks during handling, and slower application times. Cordstrap’s rail experts have developed non-metallic alternatives that meet or exceed AAR requirements, offering safer and more efficient load securement options.

• Cordlash 200 replaces 2″ steel banding
• Cordlash 150 replaces 1¼″ steel banding

These solutions are fully validated under AAR rules, including compliance with the Open Top Loading Rules (OTLR) and relevant GIS diagrams (AAR securement figures).

 

Approved Commodities & Use Cases

Cordstrap’s AAR-approved securement systems are trusted across a broad range of industries and cargo types, including:

• Metals and structural components
• Forest products, lumber, pulp & paper
• Minerals, chemicals, and packaging
• Intermodal shipments requiring strong yet flexible load control

Through rigorous testing and regulatory review, our solutions provide a modern, safer, and more cargo-friendly alternative to traditional steel banding in rail transport.

 

Best Practices & Considerations

To maximize safety and ensure full AAR compliance, rail shippers should follow these best practices:

• Reference the current AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual (OTLR) for approved securement methods, separators, and void fill guidance.
• Verify that any non-metallic strapping used in place of steel banding is AAR-approved and tested to meet load requirements.
• Stay current with AAR circulars and rule updates (e.g., changes to closed-car loading per Circular 42).
• Incorporate proper blocking, bracing, and dunnage to prevent load movement in all directions.
• Maintain thorough documentation of load plans, GIS figures, and certification records for audit readiness.

 

Partner with Cordstrap for Certified Rail Securement

With decades of experience and over 250 AAR-approved applications, Cordstrap leads the industry in safe, compliant, and innovative rail cargo protection.

Get expert advice on AAR-approved load securement — contact our team today!