Association of American Railroads
Founded in 1934, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) is the leading organization for railroad policy, research, standard setting, and technology, representing major freight railroads in North America and Amtrak.
History of the Association of American Railroads
Founded in 1934, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) has established itself as the leading organization in railroad policy, research, standard-setting, and technology. Over the decades, AAR has expanded its influence to include major freight railroads in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, along with Amtrak. The organization has played a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining standards and safety across North American railroads.
AAR's Membership
AAR's full members comprise major freight railroads in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, including well-known names like Amtrak. Additionally, AAR affiliates and associates include non-Class I and commuter railroads, various rail supply companies, engineering firms, signal and communications firms, and rail car owners. These members collectively contribute to a substantial portion of the rail industry, especially six Class I railroads that cover around 68% of freight rail mileage, 88% of employees, and 95% of revenue.
Safety and Standards Initiatives by AAR
AAR is committed to safety and standards through several initiatives. It operates the Bureau of Explosives (BOE), offering guidelines for tank cars and advising best practices for shippers. The Tank Car Committee focuses on the safe movement of hazardous materials by reviewing technical designs and setting interchange standards. The North American Non-Accident Release Reduction Program gathers data to mitigate non-accident releases. Moreover, AAR has succeeded in reducing the mainline accident rate by 42% and the hazmat accident rate by 75% since 2000.
Technological Advances and Programs
AAR has developed and maintained several technological advancements and programs. The Positive Train Control (PTC) system is operational on tens of thousands of miles of rail lines, ensuring safety and reliability. The Data Center compiles and distributes essential operational data on North American freight railroads. Through subsidiaries like Railinc and MxV Rail, AAR supports ongoing research and development. The CREATE program aims to enhance transportation efficiency in Chicago by addressing congestion and improving air quality.
Environmental and Economic Contributions
AAR's freight railroads are recognized for their environmental and economic efficiency. They are the most fuel-efficient method to transport freight over land, capable of moving one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a gallon of fuel. Members are committed to climate action, participating in the Science Based Targets initiative. Freight railroads managed by AAR account for roughly 40% of U.S. long-distance freight volume while contributing only 0.5% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The commitment to free and fair trade underlines AAR's stance against restrictive global market policies and tariffs.