INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS ANNOUNCEMENT -- 2008-039 -- Winter Lumber Loading Rules
October 20, 2008 – Effective: November 10, 2008 through April 10, 2009
Dear UPRR Lumber and Panel Customers;
UPRR's Open Top Loading Rules require that shippers comply with certain loading practices during the winter months to ensure the safe and secure movement of shipments during that time. These practices help reinforce that loads will not slide or shift during transit.
This year, the period of time covered by these rules is November 10, 2008 through April 10, 2009. The required changes to your loading procedures during this period are as follows:
* All ice and snow is to be removed from railcar decks prior to the placement and prior to securing any and all bearing pieces. This applies to all commodities regardless of car type and securement method.
* All Flatcar or Bulkhead Flat Car loads of lumber and panel product, that utilize a floating load method (ie: product not secured to the car with chains, cable, web strap or banding) must include stub stakes and guide rails as an added protection to counter the adverse effects of snow and ice on the restraint and securement systems. Loading Figures where this is in particular reference and application can be found in the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual - Section 5 : Figures 32, 58, 58-A, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 110, 111, 112 and 112-A
If you have questions, contact your local UPRR Mechanical Department or Brent Lichty, Damage Prevention Engineer Industrial Products and Open Top Loading at 402-544-6531
Sincerely,
Brent A. Lichty
Damage Prevention Services
Industrial Products and Open Top Loads
Union Pacific Center
1400 Douglas Street MC STOP 1250
Omaha, NE 68179-1250
Office: 402-544-6531
Fax: 402-233-3333
Email: balichty@up.com