Association of American Railroads (AAR)

America's freight railroads operate the safest, most efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sound freight transportation system in the world — and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) is committed to keeping it that way. Founded in 1934, AAR is the world's leading railroad policy, research, standard setting, and technology organization that focuses on the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry. AAR Full members include the major freight railroads in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak. AAR Associate and Affiliate members include non-Class I and commuter railroads, rail supply companies, engineering firms, signal and communications firms, and rail car owners.

Policy Making

Working with elected officials and leaders in Washington, DC, AAR works to advance sound public policy that supports the interests of the freight rail industry to ensure it will continue to meet America's transportation needs today and tomorrow.

Standard Setting

As the standard setting organization for North America's railroads, AAR establishes safety, security, and operating standards that provide for seamless and safe operations across America's 140,000 mile freight rail network.

Industry Data, Reports and Publications

AAR prepares weekly, quarterly and annual statistical reports providing comprehensive insight into the operations of North America's freight railroads. AAR members can access our publications catalog, covering many aspects of freight railroading from the latest economic statistics to the correct means of loading and securing various freight shipments and research reports from AAR's Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI). These publications offer economic, financial, policy and general statistical information, and can be purchased from our online catalog.

Research and Technology Initiatives

Through its two subsidiaries, the Transportation Technology Center Inc. (TTCI) and Railinc, AAR supports continued research and development projects to enhance the safety, security, and efficiency of the railroad industry. TTCI is the world's leading research, development, and testing facility, and develops next-generation advancements in safety and operational efficiency. Railinc serves as the rail industry's leading resource for rail data, information technology, and information services, and uses one of the world's largest data networks to track customer shipments. AAR also supports the Railroad Research Foundation, a world-class policy research organization dedicated to sustaining a safe, secure, and technologically advanced rail network.

• 04/01 AAR Reports Freight Rail Traffic For 2017, December and Week Ending December 30, 2017