modities in closed railcars and are primarily to insure the safe
(12) Commodities must be loaded or blocked and
movement of the car and the load from origin to destination.
braced tightly lengthwise and crosswise so as to eliminate
The AAR rules do not provide for the protection of
slack space, which is the primary cause of damage. Slack
commodities from the elements or from other forms of
space between commodities should be taken up by blocking,
damage. Additional protection from damage is a matter to be
bracing, center gates, etc., which should be secured in
decided between the shipper and receiver of the commodity.
accordance with methods outlined in this manual and AAR
pamphlets listed in appendix A.
(13) Rough edges or projections of some
commodities or containers must be covered with a suitable
(10) The loading, blocking, and bracing of
material to prevent damage.
explosives, flammables, and other dangerous commodities
must be in accordance with the requirements of Bureau of
(14) No commodities of a contaminating nature
Explosives Tariffs (app A).
should be loaded in the same car with commodities liable to
be contaminated, unless properly segregated and protected.
(11) Cars should be clean; have sound floors,
roofs, and side and end walls; and be free from protruding
nails or other projections that might cause damage to the
contents.
Figure 1. Selection of material
Figure 2. Holding power of nails.
4
