B-612 (MIDLAND MFG.Co.)
A gauging device manufactured by Midland Manufacturing Company. This device can be used on both non-pressure and pressure cars and permits gauging without release of commodity to the atmosphere.

B-END
The end of the car on which the hand brake is located.

BAD ORDER (B/O)
A car which is in need of mechanical attention or repairs.

BAD ORDER CREDIT
Rental relief provided to a customer for out-of-service time not considered the lessee's responsibility.

BAFFLE
A plate assembly or "chamber" mounted below safety vents to minimize accidental disc rupture due to surging commodity.

BALL VALVE
A quarter turn shutoff valve whose closure member consists of a sphere (or ball) with a circular hole through it.

BASIC DESIGN (BD)
Any one of the several Union Tank Car standard tank cars designed for transporting the most commonly shipped commodities or commodity groups. See Specifications and Drawings section.

BATH TUB RING
A corrosion phenomenon that decreases the tank's thickness when commodity residue is allowed to remain in the tank when water is loaded. Mainly found after tank testing.

BEE SCREEN
A screen covering an opening into a tank (commonly the air inlet of a corn syrup car) to prevent bees and other insects attracted by the commodity, from entering the tank.

BELL CRANK
A pivoted crank used to amplify and change the direction of the handbrake chain force from vertical to horizontal.

BELLY BAND
See Center Band.

BILL OF LADING
A non-negotiable document by which a transportation line acknowledges receipt of freight and contracts for its movement.

BILLING CARD HOLDER
A holder or receptacle for billing instructions; generally mounted on the end platform or on the side of the body bolster.

BILLING REPAIR CARD (BRC)
Itemized estimate in AAR format.

BLACK BEAUTY
Brand name for a type of blast material. See "Blast."

BLACK NATURAL RUBBER
A type of rubber commonly used to interior line tank cars.

BLAST
The process of blowing a pressurized mixture of air and an abrasive (e.g., grit, sand, shot) against a metal surface to clean it and/or prepare it for subsequent painting, coating, or lining. The most common grades of blast are:
Brush Blast - A degree of blast that removes all oil, grease, dirt, loose rust scale, and loose mill scale.
Commercial Blast - A higher grade of blast than brush blast that, in addition, removes tight mill scale, but does not remove surface discolorations.
White Metal Blast - A higher degree of blast than commercial, that results in a uniform even surface coloration.

BODY BOLSTER
Transverse members of underframe which transmit rocking loads to the trucks through the center plates and side bearings.

BODY CENTER PLATE
A cast or forged steel plate bolted and/or welded to the draft sill directly below each center filler. This center plate fits into the truck center bowl and is the major load transfer point between car body and truck.

BODY MOUNTED BRAKES
Car air brake system whose levers, rods, cylinder and other components are supported by brackets attached to the car body. Also referred to as Conventional.

BODY SIDE BEARING
A flat steel pad attached to the underside of each body bolster (4 per car) directly above each truck side bearing. The function is to support rocking loads and to help maintain car stability during transit.

BOE
Bureau of Explosives, the branch of the AAR that publishes Hazardous Material Regulations of the U.S. Dept. of Transportation.

BOE - 6000
A tariff published by the AAR's BOE to put forth the duties imposed by the Federal Department of Transportation on the transportation of hazardous materials container specifications.

BOGIE
Another term for a freight car truck assembly. Also, used as a term for the wheel and axle assembly of highway semi-trailers.

BOLSTER GIBS
Small projections at each end of a truck bolster that engage the side frame and provide vertical guidance for the bolster and lateral restraint to the side frames when assembled as a truck.

BOLSTER PAD
A plate welded directly to the exterior of the tank at each body bolster location to which the remaining body bolster structure is attached.

BOLSTER WEB
The vertically oriented steel plate(s) to which the top and bottom bolster cover plates are attached.

BOTTOM OUTLET PROTECTION
The various structural tank bottom attachments used to prevent the uncontrolled release of regulated materials from tank cars during derailments by protecting bottom outlet valves, washouts, sumps, etc. from being sheared off.

BOTTOM OUTLET VALVE (BOV)
A valve located at the bottom center of the tank through which the tank contents can be unloaded.

BOTTOM PROTECTION
The various structural means used to protect bottom outlet valves, washouts, sumps, etc.

BOTTOM UNLOAD
See "Bottom Outlet Valve."

BOTTOM WASHOUT
Bottom tank outlet used only during tank cleaning/washing/rinsing operations. NOT used to unload tank commodity.

BOV
See "Bottom Outlet Valve."

BRAKE BEAM
Frame-like structure mounted on the trucks (2 per truck) to which the brake shoes are attached.

BRAKE CONNECTING ROD
The rod or rods used to transmit the brake cylinder force to the truck brake levers.

BRAKE CYLINDER
A steel cylinder usually mounted on the car body whose piston is forced outward by compressed air to apply the brakes.

BRAKE CYLINDER RELEASE VALVE
A valve normally incorporated into the brake control valve whose function is to allow manual release of the brake cylinder air pressure.

BRAKE HEAD
A casting attached to a brake beam which carries the detachable brake shoe.

BRAKE LEVER
General term designating the various levers used as part of the brake mechanism.

BRAKE LEVER BADGE PLATE
Generally a metal plaque attached to the car body schematically illustrating certain brake lever dimensions.

BRAKE PIN
Any of a series of hardened steel pins used to connect the various components of the car brake mechanism.

BRAKE PIPE
That section of the air brake piping of a car which acts as the supply line for the reservoir. See also, Train Line.

BRAKE PIPE ANCHOR
A device for holding the brake pipe in position.

BRAKE RIGGING
Refers to the entire system of levers, rods, brake beams and associated connections that transmit brake forces.

BRAKE ROD
Any of the rods which form the connections between brake levers.

BRAKE SHOE
A block of friction material, one at each wheel, formed to fit the curved surface of the wheel tread.

BRAKE SHOE KEY
A device used to fasten a brake shoe to each end of the brake beam.

BRC
Billing Repair Card; Itemized estimate in AAR format.

BREAKING PIN
Refers to a supplementary pressure retaining device used to isolate and thus protect from corrosion, the working parts of a spring loaded safety valve (commonly the Crosby Style JQ safety valve). The breaking pin is normally set to break at or near the pressure setting of the primary spring loaded portion of the valve.

BRUSH BLAST
See "Blast."

BUILT DATE
Month and year car was built new. Stenciled on each side of the car.

BULK FREIGHT
Freight not in packages or containers.

BULK HEAD
A vertical partition generally extending the full width of a freight car; used to restrain lading and provide structural stability.

BURRS
Jagged or rough metal edges.

BURST PRESSURE
The internal pressure necessary to rupture a tank or rupture a safety vent disc or break a breaking pin device.

BUTT JOINT
A weld joint formed by two adjacent members lying approximately in the same plane.

BUTT WELD
A weld connecting two members for a butt joint. See "Butt Joint."

BUTTERFLY VALVE
A quarter-turn shutoff valve whose closure member consists of a generally circular disc that blocks fluid flow when perpendicular to the flow path and permits flow when rotated 90 degrees or parallel to the flow path.

DEAD HEAD
A vehicle moving empty from one location to another.

DEAD LEVER
The truck brake lever (conventional system) that is directly connected to the truck bolster.

DEFECT CARD
A card issued by a railroad acknowledging responsibility for physical damage done to a non-owned railroad car and granting authority to bill the issuing carrier for the cost of repairs in accordance with the code of Interchange Rules published by the Association of American Railroads.

DEFECT CARD HOLDER
A metal or plastic receptacle positioned on the side of a car suitable for the containment and protection of defect cards.

DEMURRAGE
Charges assessed against a shipment which is detained beyond contracted time.

DENSITY
Weight per unit volume. For a commodity, usually expressed in lbs./cu. ft. or lbs./gal.

DENT
A deformation that changes the contour of a rail car from the original manufactured state.

DEPRECIATED VALUE (D/V)
The difference between the original cost of a tank car and the depreciation as calculated per AAR Rule 107. The resultant value is used in the settlement of damage claims.

DEPTH GAUGE
A device that allows for measuring the amount of liquid in a tank car.

DERAILMENT
Anytime the wheels of a car or an engine come off the head of rail.

DIP TUBE
See "Siphon Pipe."

DIRECT PAY MILEAGE
Mileage travelled which is reported and paid by the railroads to Union Tank Car, which in turn is passed directly to the applicable shippers. Contrast "Match."

DISMANTLER
A rail car to be sold for scrap.

DISPOSITION
Instructions stating where to ship a particular railcar. Generally, this includes not only the final destination, but also the specific RR lines on which the car is to be routed.

DOME
A stubby tank-like projection on top of a tank; now obsolete. This term is still sometimes used to refer to the top unload area.

DOT
The Department of Transportation. An agency of the U.S. government having jurisdiction over matters pertaining to all modes of transportation. The Federal Railroad Administration is the branch of the DOT that promulgates safety standards for rail equipment used in interchange.

DOT TANK CAR CLASS
Refers to tank cars built to the requirements contained in the code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Sections 173.314, 173.319, 173.320 and Part 179 (inclusive). I. Non-Pressure Cars-111A: General purpose car with or without insulation. Tank can be carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. 115A: Super insulated "Sandwich" type car. II. Pressure Cars-105A: Insulated car, no bottom outlet allowed. 112A: Non-insulated, car no bottom outlet allowed. 114A: Non-insulated car, bottom outlet optional. "A"-The letter "A" in the above classes indicates that the car is equipped with shelf couplers. "S"-If "A" is replaced with "S," then the car not only meets the "A" requirement, but, in addition is equipped with head shields. "J"-If "A" is replaced with "J," then the car meets both "A" & "S" requirements and, in addition, is equipped with thermal protection and meets special safety valve capacity requirements.

DOUBLE ROLLER STUCKI S.B.
A truck side bearing commonly applied to 100 ton cars. Marketed by A. Stucki Company. "See Side Bearing."

DOUBLE SHELF COUPLER
Couplers incorporating a feature designed to limit vertical movement between joined couplers thereby preventing accidental disengagement.

DRAFT GEAR
A cushioning or energy absorbing component mounted within the draft sill and yoke behind each coupler.

DRAFT GEAR CARRIER
The flat plate or plates attached to the underside of the draft sill to support the yoke and draft gear.

DRAFT GEAR POCKET
The space in a draft sill between the front and rear lugs in which the draft gear is mounted.

DRAFT KEY
See coupler cross key.

DRAFT LUG
One of a set of stops attached to the draft sill webs that transfer the forces received from the draft gear into the draft sill.

DRAFT SILL
The structure which connects the couplers to the tank and transmits the train loads.

DRAW BAR
An obsolete term sometimes used to refer to the car coupler.

DRY AIR PURGE
The process of blowing dry air into a tank for the purpose of reducing the moisture content of the tank atmosphere.

DTM
Refers to a direct-to-metal paint, one coat without a primer.

E COUPLER
The most commonly used standard AAR coupler, can be double shelf design or without shelves. Cast in several grades of steel, and have several shank configurations to meet varying service requirements.

ECONOMIC LIMITS
The maximum dollars that can be economically justified for the repair of a car. Also referred to as maximum repair expense.

EDUCTION PIPE
See "Siphon Pipe" and "Dip Tube."

ELECTRODE
Commonly a consumable steel rod or wire through which electric current is conducted from electrode holder to welding arc. The electrode is "consumed" by providing the filler metal for the weld.

EMERGENCY PORTION/BRAKE VALVE
One of three parts of the air brake control valve whose function is to control the buildup of brake cylinder pressure during an emergency brake application.

EMPTY & LOAD BRAKE
A brake arrangement applied to lightweight cars that provides lighter-braking forces when the car is empty and heavier-forces when loaded. This prevents over braking and sliding of wheels when the car is empty. Flat spots due to sliding can cause wheel replacement.

EMPTY MILEAGE
A car traveling on railroads empty or not loaded with a commodity.

EMPTY WEIGHT
See "Light Weight."

END FRAME (HOPPER & TANK)
The structural arrangement at each end of the car to which the end platform gratings and handbrake are mounted.

END LADDER
A ladder mounted at the end of a car providing access from the end platform to a top walkway or platform.

END PLATFORM
A narrow, full car width platform located at each end of a car approximately 48 inches above the rail.

END POST
On hopper cars, any one of several vertical structural members running between the end sill and the hopper car body or roof at the top of the car.

END SHEET
On hopper cars, the sloping and sometimes vertical sheet closing the car at each end.

END SILL
The outboard transverse structural member of the end frame.

END SLOPE
On hopper cars, the angle at which the end sheet is sloped.

EPOXY
A component used in some exterior paints and interior coatings.

EQUALIZATION BILLING
A charge by the railroads for transporting empty railcars a distance in excess of statutory maximums.

EQUIPMENT REGISTER
Is a tariff setting forth ownership, reporting marks, marked capacity, length, dimensions and cubical capacity of cars used to transport freight. However, not gallonage on tank cars for tariff purposes.

EQUIPMENT TRUST PLATE
See "Trust Plate."

ETCH LINE
Local consumption of metal due to corrosion. See "Bath Tub Ring."

EXCESS FLOW VALVE
A valve normally installed within the vapor and liquid (siphon) pipes of a pressure car intended to shut off flow out of the tank once a certain flow rate is reached.

EXCESS MILEAGE CREDITS
Rental credits which are generated as a result of mileage charges exceeding car rental payments, calculated on an annual basis.

EXTERIOR BLAST
Means by which paint and other materials are removed from the car prior to paint. See Blast.

EXTERIOR COILS
Heater coils that are attached to the outside of the tank.

EXTREME HEIGHT
The distance from the top of the rail to the highest point on the car.

F COUPLER
An alternate standard freight car coupler having the head portion cast in a special configuration that results in less free slack and restricted vertical movement between mating couplers. Cars equipped with F-couplers must have special flexible spring-supported coupler carriers to compensate for the loss of vertical freedom between couplers.

F & D
Refers to "Flanged and Dished," which is the shape of jacket heads made on the Plant No. 1 head press.

FABRICATION
An assembly manufactured by joining together two or more parts (usually by welding or bolting).

FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION (FRA)
A branch of the DOT that promulgates safety standards for rail equipment used in interchange.

FEED-GRADE
A level of interior preparation suitable for use in the livestock feed industry.

FERROXYL TEST
A chemical test used to determine if a stainless steel surface is iron free.

FIBERGLASS
The most commonly used tank car insulation, consisting of a felt-like blanket of glass fibers bonded with a special resin.

FIELD MANUAL
One of two manuals that together form the Association of American Railroads Code of Interchange Rules governing the condition and repair of railway equipment used in interchange service. The Field Manual contains technical information concerning mechanical condition, wear limits and repair criteria for interchange cars. See "Office Manual."

FILL HOLE
Generally refers to the relatively small opening (with bolted and hinged cover) located on the manway cover plate of acid cars used to load the tank car.

FILLER METAL
The metal to be added in making a welded joint or added to restore a corroded tank to acceptable thickness. See "Electrode."

FILLET WELD
A weld of triangular cross-section joining two surfaces at right angles to each other.

FITTINGS HOUSING
A general term used to describe the steel housing that surrounds top fittings.

FIXED TUBE GAUGE
A tube, mounted on the top fittings nozzle, extending into the tank a fixed distance. Commodity flowing out of the valve at the top of the tube indicates that the liquid level is at or above the bottom of the tube.

FLANGE (Fittings)
The overhanging edge at the end of a nozzle, pipe, valve, or other fitting, containing a series of bolt holes to enable connection to another flange with the same bolt hole pattern.

FLANGE (WHEEL)
The portion of the wheel extending diametrically outward from the wheel tread. This flange rides against the inside of the railhead thereby keeping the wheel on the rail.

FLANGED OFF
Refers to a tank nozzle or saddle upon which valves or other fittings would normally be mounted, but is instead closed off with a blind flange or a plate without a hole.

FLASH POINT
The temperature at which the vapor above a liquid (or solid) forms an ignitable mixture with the surrounding air.

FLASHING
Relatively small pieces of jacket material used to achieve a tight fit around nozzles and other appurtenances that protrude through the jacket of an insulated tank car.

FLAT CAR
A freight car having a flat floor or deck laid on the underframe, with no sides, ends or roof, designed for handling commodities not requiring protection from the weather.

FLOW CAPACITY
The capacity in cubic feet per minute (cubic meters per second, metric) of air at standard conditions discharged when tested at the required flow rating pressure.

FLUOROSCOPE
A phosphor screen, x-ray intensifier used to detect defects in tank welds.

FLUOROTAPE
A video magnetic tape recording of the output of a fluoroscope.

FMV
Fair market value.

FOAM
A shortened term for polyurethane foam insulation; a high efficiency insulation used in sandwich cars and other insulated tank cars transporting highly temperature sensitive products. Not generally used on cars equipped with heater coils.

F.O.B.
Acronym for free on board; meaning the customer is not charged for freight to a designated F.O.B. location. Also used to designate point of delivery.

FOLLOWER BLOCK
A steel plate mounted between the draft gear and the end of the coupler shank.

FOOD-GRADE
A level of interior preparation suitable for use with ladings intended for human consumption. Also, a term used to describe gaskets suitable for use with the above type of ladings.

FOREIGN CAR
Any car not belonging to the particular railway on which it is running.

FOUNDATION BRAKE RIGGING
See "Brake Rigging."

FOUR-WAY ENTRY PLATFORM
Refers to an operating platform with (2) side and (2) end openings.

FRA
See "Federal Railroad Administration."

FRANGIBLE DISC
The operating part of a safety vent designed to burst at a pre-determined tank pressure.

FREE TIME
The period allowed to load or unload before demurrage or storage charges begin to accrue.

FREIGHT BILL
The carriers invoice for services rendered.

FREIGHT CAR
A term generally applied to any railway freight car excluding tank cars.

FREIGHT CHARGE
The charge assessed for transporting freight.

FREIGHT CLAIM
A demand upon a carrier for the payment of overcharge or loss or damage sustained by shipper or consignee.

FREIGHT YARD
See "Classification Yard."

FRICTION BLOCK SIDE BEARING
A truck side bearing consisting of a loose block of steel retained by a bracket on top of the truck bolster. See "Side Bearing."

FRONT STOPS
The draft lugs fastened to the draft sill at the front end or the end nearest the coupler. Sometimes called front draft lugs. See "Draft Lugs."

FULL GRATING PLATFORM
A top platform whose entire walking area consists of a flat grating surface.

FULL PAYOUT
Refers to a lease rate designed to provide full recovery of the associated cost within the term of the lease or within some other specified time period.

FULL-SERVICE LEASE
A lease whereby the lessor provides all maintenance, administrative, and tax services required for the use and operation of leased property.

FUNNEL FLOW®
A Union Tank Car tank design where the two tank halves are tilted downward toward the center, thereby facilitating drainage.

FUSION WELDING
A group of processes in which metals are welded together by bringing them to the molten state at the surfaces to be joined.

GALVANIZED
An electrolytic process by which steel is coated with a film of zinc to retard oxidation or atmospheric corrosion by cathodic protection.

GASKETS
Material inserted in a joint between two mating surfaces to prevent leakage of whatever fluid that may pass through the joint.

GATE (DISCHARGE)
A general term used to describe the bottom door assembly that serves as a discharge opening on hopper cars.

GAUGE OF TRACK
The distance between the heads of the rails of a railroad track. The standard gauge in North America is 4'- 8 1/2".

GAUGING DEVICE
A system which furnishes an indication of liquid levels inside the tank.

GEARED HAND BRAKE
A hand brake arrangement that employs gears to multiply and transmit forces applied at the handwheel.

GONDOLA CAR
A freight car with low sides and ends, a solid floor, and no roof. Used mainly for transportation of coal, iron and steel products and other lading not requiring protection from weather. Special types of gondola cars are built with high sides (for coal), removable covers (for steel or aluminum coils), and other attachments for some specialized service. Some of the newer gondola cars are constructed of aluminum.

GOUGE
A deformation caused by mechanical means, that results in the loss of parent metal or weld metal.

GRAB IRON
A round steel handhold mechanically attached to various areas on a car to provide a secure place for crewmen or other operating personnel to hold on.

GRIT
A blasting material consisting of fine sharp edged particles of steel, iron, or other material. See "Blast."

GRL
Gross Rail Load, See "Gross Weight."

GROOVE WELD
The weld made in the groove between two members to be joined.

GROSS TON
Equal to 2240 pounds.

GROSS WEIGHT (GROSS RAIL LOAD) GRL
The total combined weight of a car and its contents. Truck capacity determines the maximum allowable GRL. For example, the maximum GRL for a car equipped with 100 Ton trucks is 263,000 lbs.

GUSSET PLATE
A flat steel plate used to reinforce a joint between two members in a steel structure.

HAND BRAKE
A device mounted on railway cars and locomotives to provide a means for applying brakes manually without air pressure. Common types include vertical wheel, horizontal wheel and lever type, so named because of the configuration or orientation of their operating handles.

HAND BRAKE CHAIN
Forms part of the connection between the handbrake shaft and the brake levers.

HAND BRAKE WHEEL
The steel handwheel attached to the hand brake shaft to provide a means for manually applying the brakes.

HAND RAIL
A bar or rail to be grasped with the hand on rail cars for safety purposes.

HAND RAIL POST
The vertical structural member that holds a handrail at the desired height.

HANDHOLD
Round steel bar of 5/8" minimum diameter, formed with a means for mechanical attachment to a car side, end or roof, to provide a secure place for crew or other operating personnel to hold on to equipment. Handholds are considered "safety appliances" by the FRA, and as such, are subject to very strict regulations with respect to placement and clearances. Also known as "grab irons."

HATCH
The opening through which products are loaded in covered hopper cars.

HATCH COVER
The hinged door that closes and seals a hatch on the roof of a covered hopper car.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
When used with respect to lading in transportation vehicles, a term identifying the lading as subject to specific safety requirements set forth by the Department of Transportation and/or the Interstate Commerce Commission. Examples of hazardous materials are explosives, poisons, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and oxidizing or radioactive materials. Also refer to Bureau of Explosives Tariff No. BOE-6000 (Latest Revision), Sect. 172.101.

HD
Acronym for "Hot Dog" which refers to a stub sill design tank car (without a continuous center sill).

HEAD PLATE
Refers to the flat plate of metal that will subsequently be formed into a tank head.\

HEAD PRESS
Within Union Tank Car, the largest machine (12,000 ton hydraulic press), located at Plant No. 1 in East Chicago, IN, that is used to cold form tank and jacket heads.

HEAD SHIELD
A supplemental heavy steel plate required by federal regulation on the ends of some hazardous commodity tank cars to lessen the chances of tank head puncture by the coupler of an adjacent car in the event of excessive end impact or derailment.

HEAD SHOE
The reinforcement structure between the draft sill and tank head at each end of a tank car.

HEADER
A lateral or circumferential heater coil that connects two (2) or more parallel longitudinal heater coil runs.

HEADER SYSTEM
A tank car heater arrangement generally consisting of (4) or more parallel longitudinal heater coil runs connected together at each end of the tank by headers. Normally used only with steam.

HEATER COILS
The half oval heat chamber sections generally running the length of the tank which are welded to the exterior of the tank.

HEATER PIPES
The 2 inch diameter pipe sections that generally run the length of the tank and which are mounted to brackets inside of the tank.

HEATER RUNS
One, generally straight continuous longitudinal section of heater coil or heater pipe.

HEAVY REPAIRS
As reported to the Association of American Railroads, repairs to revenue freight cars requiring over 20 man-hours.

HELD FOR ORDERS
Cars in repair facilities waiting on authorization to proceed with repairs.

HELICAL SPRING
See "Coil Spring."

HOME CAR
From a railroad perspective; a car on the tracks of its owner.

HOPPER CAR
A freight car, with either a covered or open top, designed to carry dry bulk commodities such as plastic pellets, grain, or coal. The bottom of the car generally consists of a series of slope sided hoppers with bottom outlet gates.

HOPPER DOOR
See "Gate" (Discharge).

HOT DOG
See "HD."

HUCK¨ BOLT
A mechanical fastener similar to a nut and bolt, except the nut is replaced by a collar that is permanently deformed into the grooves on the bolt at application.

HUMP
In a railroad classification yard, the hill (or hump) that freight cars are rolled down and then diverted to one of a number of tracks for makeup into individual trains.

HUMP YARD
A railroad classification yard in which the classification of cars is accomplish by pushing them over a summit, known as a "hump," beyond which they run by gravity.

HYDROTEST
The water pressure test that each tank is subjected to when built and at other specific times during its life, as specified by the AAR.

IBV
Acronym for an internal bottom ball valve. This is an angle style valve whose body and inlet opening extend into the tank. See "Bottom Outlet Valve"; "Ball Valve"; "Angle Valve."

INDUSTRIAL CARRIER
A short line railroad owned or controlled by one or more of the principle industries served by it. May be organized as a common carrier or merely a private carrier or plant facility.

INJURIOUS DEFECT
Any discontinuity (crack, lamination, pit, hard spot, etc.) that results in a change in the material's physical properties, so as not to meet specification requirements.

INNAGE
A measurement of the number of gallons of commodity contained in a tank. Usually determined indirectly by measuring to the liquid level in the tank and then consulting a precalculated table.

INSULATED
Refers to a tank, fitting, housing, draft sill, or other car appurtenance whose outside surfaces are covered with a thermal insulating material.

INSULATION (CAR CONSTRUCTION)
In general, any material that serves to decrease the flow of heat through a structural wall from one space to another. Common insulating materials in rail car applications include polyurethane foam, ceramic fiber, and fiberglass. Dead air space between wall panels also serves as effective insulation.

INTERCHANGE
The transfer of cars from one road to another at a common junction point.

INTERCHANGE RULES
A set of regulations adopted by the Association of American Railroads governing the care and handling of freight cars operating in interchange service. The Interchange Rules are contained in two publications known as the Field Manual and the Office Manual, and are revised and reissued annually to meet changing conditions.

INTERIOR BLAST
See "Exterior Blast" but used on the interior of the car.

INTERIOR COATING
A coating sprayed onto the interior surfaces of a tank; sometimes requiring heat curing. The purpose is to either protect the tank from corrosion or protect the commodity from contamination, or both.

INTERIOR COILS
See "Heater Pipes."

INTERIOR PREP
The blasting and/or grinding of the interior surfaces of a tank usually in anticipation of lining or coating application.

INTERLINE FREIGHT
Freight moving from point of origin to destination over the lines of two or more carriers.

INTER-MODAL
A term used to describe freight containers that are designed to be easily transferred from one basic mode of transport to another. See "Mode."

INTERNAL BALL VALVE
See "IBV."

INTRA-PLANT SWITCHING
The moving of cars from one place to another within a plant.

IXC
Acronym for an insulated and exterior coiled tank car.

JACKET
A thin outer shell over a tank used to contain insulating material.

JACKET FLASHINGS
See Flashing.

JACKET HEAD
The portion of the jacket that covers each end of an insulated tank car.

JACKET SPACER
On insulated cars, any one of the numerous steel, foam, or wood spacers that are mounted between the tank and the jacket thus defining a uniform space for the insulation.

JACKING PAD
Steel plates usually attached to the underside of the body bolsters, near the sides of car, designed to support the weight of the car on jacks.

JIC
Joint Inspection Certificate; when two parties have the right to inspect the damages of a car.

JOURNAL
The part of a railcar axle on which the wheel bearing are mounted.

JUMBO PRESSURE CAR
Generally refers to pressure cars in excess of 30,000 gallons capacity.

JUNCTION
A point at which two or more carriers interchange freight. Also, a point where two lines of a railroad meet, usually with provision for operating trains from one line to the other.

L SIDE
That side of a railcar on the left side of the observer when facing the "B" end of the car.

LADING
The commodity carried in a tank or hopper car.

LAP JOINT
A weld joint between two overlapping pieces of metal.

LEASE
A legal contract which is used to convey the use of land, equipment, or facilities for a specified term and rate.

LEASE RATES
Monthly rental charges invoiced to lessees for each railcar leased.

LEASE TERM
The defined time period for which land, equipment, or facilities are leased. Considered to include the minimum rental period and the notice period.

LEFT SIDE (L)
When facing the "B" end of a railcar, the side of the car on the left. See "B" end.

LENGTH OVER PULLING FACES
The effective coupled length of a railcar.

LENGTH OVER STRIKERS
The distance between the strikers of a railcar. See "Strikers."

LENGTH OVER TRUCK CENTERS
The distance between the truck center pins. Sometimes referred to as truck centers. See "Center Pin."

LESS THAN CARLOAD RATE
A railroad freight charge applicable to a less than carload shipment.

LESSEE
The party to a leasing arrangement who is holding or utilizing land, equipment, or facilities. See "Lessor."

LESSEE RESPONSIBLE LINING/COATING
In many cases, the lessee is responsible for the type and integrity of the interior lining or coating of a car. Sometimes financed by Union Tank Car.

LESSOR
The party to a leasing arrangement who retains ownership but conveys the use of land, equipment, or facilities to a lessee.

LIEN
A legal claim upon goods for the satisfaction of some debt or duty.

LIGHT WEIGHT
Actual weight of an empty railcar.

LIMITING OUTLINE
See "Clearance Diagram."

LINE HAUL
The movement of freight over the tracks of a transportation line from one town or city to another town or city (not a switching service).

LINING
General term for an interior rubber lining in a tank car.

LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION
A nondestructive test method using liquids/dyes that penetrate cracks and voids highlighting discontinuities in the part being inspected by x-ray.

LIQUID TIGHT
A valve, tank, or mechanical joint judged to have passed a specific hydrostatic leak test utilizing specific acceptance criteria.

LIQUID VALVE
Normally refers to the top unloading valve mounted at the top of a siphon pipe.

LIVE LEVER
The truck brake lever (conventional system) that is not directly connected to the truck bolster.

LOAD LIMIT
The maximum weight of lading that can be loaded into a car, calculated by subtracting the car light weight from the maximum gross rail load.

LOADED MILEAGE
A car travelling on the railroads with commodity.

LOCK NUT
A special type of threaded nut having a feature which prevents the nut from vibrating loose once it has been tightened.

LOCK WASHER
A washer designed to prevent undesired loosening of a nut after it has been tightened.

LOCKING CENTER PIN
A special 2 or 3 piece truck center pin which, after installed, is designed to inhibit separation of the truck from the car body. See "Center Pin."

LOCOMOTIVE
A self-propelled, non-revenue rail vehicle designed to convert electrical or mechanical energy into tractive effort to pull or push rail cars.

LOW PROFILE BALL VALVE
A bottom outlet valve designed to protrude a minimum distance below the tank shell as compared to earlier design exterior bottom valves.

LPBV
Acronym for Low Profile Ball Valve.

LT. WT.
Abbreviation for light weight.

MAGNETIC FLOAT GAUGE
Usually a closed system gauging device that uses magnets to couple a liquid float to a visually observed gauge rod. See "B-612" and "Gauging Device."

MAJOR CLASSES
See Dot Class.

MALE CENTER PLATE
See "Body Center Plate."

MANWAY
A general term designating the opening and surrounding parts located at the top of each tank permitting worker access to the tank interior.

MANWAY COVER
The hinged and bolted, or totally bolted cover that seals the manway opening.

MANWAY NOZZLE
The cylindrical shape that is welded to the top of each tank defining the manway opening and upon which the manway cover is mounted.

MARKED
Information applied to a car by either stencil or decal.

MARKED CAPACITY
The volumetric (gallons) shell full capacity stenciled on each end of a tank car.

MARKET LEASE RATE
The lowest monthly lease rate generally available at any particular time to lessees of railcars from the various leasing companies. This rate will also vary depending on the type of car in question and other factors.

MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT ON RAILS
See "Gross Weight."

MAXIMUM WIDTH
The maximum railcar width as determined by the applicable clearance diagram.

MECHANICAL DESIGNATION
An alphabetic code assigned by the AAR to each freight car to designate its general design characteristics and its intended purpose.

MICROWAVE GAUGING DEVICE
A closed-system gauging device using microwave technology rather than mechanical floats, direct visual, ultrasonic, or other means to detect tank liquid level.

MILEAGE
Rail miles travelled by a car, based upon distance calculated between two points by various railroads.

MILEAGE ALLOWANCE
The allowance paid by railroad to non-railroad car owners.

MILEAGE CREDITS
A rental credit for loaded movements by rail, based on loaded miles travelled multiplied by an applicable mileage rate.

MILEAGE EQUALIZATION
An empty mileage discipline program for tank cars in the US and tank and hopper cars in Canada that penalizes car owners for accumulating empty miles in excess of a set percentage of loaded miles.

MILEAGE RATE
Rates applicable according to distance.

MINIMUM THICKNESS
Thickness of material required by regulations and/or design of the car to safely transmit in-line train forces.

MOBILE REPAIR UNIT
A crew that travels to a particular location to make repairs without the car being shopped.

MODE
A term used to refer to the basic means of transport; rail, truck, air, and water.

MSDS SHEETS
Material Safety Data Sheet required to be provided by chemical manufacturers & shippers to potential handlers & users of the products.

MUD GUARDS
Relatively light weight fender-type structures mounted above the wheels of some tank cars to prevent foreign matter from being thrown against and thereby dirtying the car body.

MULTI UNIT TANK CAR
Refers to tank cars built to DOT 106A or 110A specs. Consisting of a series of small tanks designed to be removed from the car for filling and emptying.

MULTIPLE HOUSING
A term sometimes used to refer to the top unload fittings on a tank car.

MULTIPLE WEAR WHEEL
A railcar wheel originally made with extra rim thickness thereby allowing a worn wheel to be machined and restored to its original shape at least twice during its life.

NDM
National Railway of Mexico.

NEEDLE VALVE
A small manual valve used where fine regulation of the working fluid is required. This type of valve is used on fixed tube gauges.

NET LEASE
A lease whereby the lessee assumes responsibility for all maintenance, administrative, and tax services required for the use and operation of leased property.

NET TON
Equal to 2000 pounds.

NET WEIGHT
The weight of only the contents of a railcar.

NFL BEARING
A railcar wheel roller bearing designed not to require periodic field lubrication.

NINC
Acronym for a non-insulated and non-coiled tank car.

NITROGEN PURGE
The process of replacing a portion of the air inside of a tank with dry nitrogen, mainly to minimize moisture formation and/or the subsequent rusting of the tank interior prior to the first load.

NOMINAL CAPACITY (OBSOLETE TERM)
The approximate load carrying capacity of a railcar measured to the nearest 1000 pounds. Not to appear stenciled on any cars after 12/31/96. See Rule 70 in AAR Field Manual.

NON-COILED
Refers to a tank car that does not have heater coils.

NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
A test procedure that does not destroy or otherwise limit the utility of the object being tested. An example is the x-raying of tank welds.

NON-INSULATED
Normally refers to a tank car that does not have any thermal insulation covering the tank.

NON-PIPED
Refers to a tank that does not have interior heater pipes.

NON-PRESSURE CAR
A tank car built to DOT specs 103, 104, 111 and 115. Reference 49 CFR Part 179, Subparts A, B, and D. The test pressure for non-pressure tanks is either 100 PSI or 60 PSI.

NORMALIZED
A heat treating process mainly utilized to improve the properties of shell and head plate.

NOZZLE
A cylindrical structure generally welded to a tank along its top centerline. The function of a nozzle is to provide access to the tank interior and/or a location for mounting fittings.

NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board part of U.S. Dot, which investigates all transportation accidents.

NYCOPAC/WABCOPAC BRAKES
The proprietary name for truck mounted brakes manufactured by New York Air Brake Company and Westinghouse Air Brake Company.

OFFICE MANUAL
One of two manuals that together form the AAR Code of Interchange Rules governing the condition and repair of railway equipment used in interchange service. The Office Manual contains the pricing and billing information used for preparing bills for repair work done on foreign cars. See "Interchange Rules and Field Manual."

ONE WEAR WHEEL
A railcar wheel originally made with enough extra rim thickness to allow a worn wheel to be machined and thus restored to its original shape only once during its life. This type of wheel is the Union Tank Car standard.

OPEN TOP CAR
A hopper car without a roof. Used to carry commodities that can withstand atmospheric exposure.

OPERATING PLATFORM 2 BOARD - 2 WAY
Top platform consisting of (2) longitudinally oriented grating sections (each normally 10" wide) with (2) opposite side access openings in the platform hand railing.

OPERATING PLATFORM 2 BOARD - 4 WAY
Same as 2 board-2 way except with (2) additional opposite end access openings in the platform handrailing.

OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration..

OUTAGE
A measurement of the number of gallons of commodity removed from a full tank usually determined indirectly by measuring to the liquid level in the tank and then consulting a pre-calculated table.

OUTAGE TABLES
Pre-calculated tables showing outages at various liquid levels.

OVERHANG
On a railcar, the distance from the centerline of a truck to the adjacent striker.

OVOM VALVE
A bottom outlet plug valve whose operating shaft extends to the top of the car thereby removing the unloader from a position under the car.