The Mechanical Inspection Department (MID) has supported the rail industry for nearly a century. As a self-regulatory entity, the AAR has entrusted the activities of the MID to MxV Rail since 1998. Our mission is the assurance of the safest railroad transportation possible. This is done through Quality Assurance audits, In-House Technical Inspections, unannounced Routine Inspections, and Training to ensure customers meet industry specifications, Codes of Federal Regulations (CFR) and AAR Interchange Requirements. Our inspectors evaluate the processes/practices insomuch as freight car components are manufactured, reconditioned and/or repaired to AAR industry standards through production procedures, quality controls and component samplings. Inspectors assist in education of personnel in the field who are performing day-to-day operations and give advice for the improvement or correction of repair procedures.

With a highly trained group of Field Inspectors strategically located in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this group is directed toward a proactive approach in the safe transportation and safe interchange of all freight car rolling stock.

The Bureau of Explosives (BOE) is a unique membership organization dedicated to helping carriers, shippers, and container manufacturers continually improve hazardous materials (hazmat) transportation safety. Formed in 1907 by the railroad industry to serve as a self-policing agency to advance the safe transportation of explosives and other dangerous articles, the BOE actually developed the first hazmat safety rules, which were later adopted and expanded upon by the Interstate Commerce Commission and later the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Today’s BOE continues to provide valuable services and products throughout North America that promote compliance with federal hazmat regulations and industry safety standards.

Damage Prevention and Loading Services (DPLS) conducts testing for railroads, shippers and suppliers to guide the establishment of industry approved freight loading and securing rules and standards for boxcar, intermodal container/trailer, automobile, and open top shipments.  Established in 1894 under the Master Car Builders’ Association, DPLS has evolved from its early roots at the AAR Chicago Technical Center to become a world leader in product and component certification and approval for load securement applications in North America and around the world.

With oversight from the AAR, our Technical Standards department is responsible for the development, maintenance, and enforcement of North American railroad interchange rules, mechanical standards, and component specifications that promote an acceptable level of safety and efficiency. Committees managed by MxV Rail include the Equipment Engineering, Quality Assurance, Wheel Axle Bearing & Lubrication, Brake Systems, Coupling System & Truck Castings, and Intermodal.

Through management of AAR mechanical committees and the QA Committee, MxV Rail maintains, publishes, and provides fulfillment to the AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, the Field and Office Manuals of the AAR Interchange Rules, and AAR Freight Loading Rules. These committees also oversee certification of over 1,000 facilities that comply with AAR Rules and Standards.

The Quality Assurance Committee is responsible for developing and maintaining AAR Quality Assurance Specification M-1003 and governing the AAR Quality Assurance Program.