AAR TFC Reporting Marks and Numbers

All railroads that are subscribers to the AAR code of trailer service must use the trailer marking system as set forth in AAR circular No. OT-36, January 1, 1966. The SP and SSW are subscribers.

Circular No. OT-36 requires reporting marks for trailers in TFC service to consist of no more than four letters indicating ownership, the last of which shall be "Z". Reporting marks for containers in TFC service should consist of no more than four letters, the last of which shall be "U".

Following the reporting marks are six digits, to describe the type, size, and unit number of each piece of equipment, according to the code shown below:
 
First Digit Series
Second Digit Series
1
 Dollies
1
 30 ft. and under 32 ft.
2
 Dry Vans
2
 32 ft. and under 35 ft.
3
 Flat Beds
3
 Under 10 ft.
4
 Open Tops
4
 10 ft. and under 20 ft.
5
 Mechanical refrigerators
5
 35 ft. and under 38 ft.
6
 Bulk
6
 20 ft. and under 30 ft.
7
 Insulated
7
 Open for future use
8
 Platform removable sides
8
 35 ft. and under 40 ft.
9
 Tank
9
 Open for future use
0
 Miscellaneous
0
 40 ft. and over

The last four digits in each case identify the unit number.

Examples:

PMTZ 200201 is a Dry 40-ft. Van
PMTZ 250130 is a Dry 35-ft. Van
PMTZ 508001 is a Refrigerated 40 ft. Van
PMTZ 800031 is a Removable Side 40 ft. flat Southern Pacific and Cotton Belt, as well as a number of other railroads, list their trailer and container equipment in "The Official Intermodal Equipment Register" issued by Intermodal Publishing Company, which publication should be consulted for specific, detailed description of containers and trailers.

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