AIDX 2000 Stenciling

Stenciling and/or stamping of a tank car must conform to all applicable parts of the AAR "Specifications for Tank Cars" in appendix C and AAR Rule 80 "Painting and Stenciling of Tank Cars" in the field manual.
  • Stenciling is a term used to describe all forms of lettering on tank cars regardless of theapplication method used.
  • Stamping is a term used to describe using a metal stamp and hammer to permanently emboss car number and other required data usually onto the tank car nozzle flange.
Stenciled and stamped information must be correct, sized properly and in the designated locations on the tank car. Stenciled information must also be in a contrasting color from its background (tank car color). Having a correctly stenciled tank car is the only way you can identify it properly. Stenciled information will include the following:
  • Tank car number
  • DOT specification number
  • Tank capacity in gallons and liters
  • Tank, Safety Valve, and Coil test dates
  • Load limit in pounds and kilograms
  • Light weight in pounds and kilograms
  • Water capacity in pounds and kilograms
  • Overall size of the tank car, in the form of a Plate "A-B-C-D" marking
  • Mechanical components equipment type (e.g., brake shoe type, draft gear type, wheel type, etc.)
  • Owner or lessor of the equipment
  • Consolidated stencil
  • Built date
  • Rebuilt date, if applicable
  • Product stencil, if applicable
  • Exemption number, if applicable
  • External Coil stencil, if applicable

Check the stenciling for legibility, and clarity.

Do not load or ship any tank car with incorrect or illegible stenciling.

We will not only be inspecting this tank car for proper stenciling, but also will review additional stencils which you may encounter throughout other inspections.