Federal Register #2026-17782

Final Rule: Regulatory Relief for End of Car Cushioning Units in Freight Cars

This final rule from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) updates regulations for freight car draft arrangements and end-of-car cushioning units (EOCCs). - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation - Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) - OEMs and Vendors: - Amsted Rail Company, Inc. (largest manufacturer of EOCCs in North America) - Products/Services Requested: - No products or services are being procured; this is a regulatory change - Key Regulatory Changes: - Freight cars with operative EOCCs and a unit condition indicator (UCI) can remain in service even if oil droplets are present - EOCCs without a UCI must be repaired or replaced if oil droplets are detected - Updates standards for defective draft arrangements - Repeals special approval requirement for freight cars over 50 years old, replacing it with notification and inspection requirements - Notable Requirements: - Focus on safety and operational standards for EOCCs - No acquisition of goods or services involved

Description

This final rule amends freight car draft arrangement and end-of-car cushioning unit (EOCC) regulations to make permanent relief currently provided by waiver. The amendments allow a freight car to remain in service if the EOCC is operative and equipped with a unit condition indicator (UCI) that indicates a non-discharged EOCC, permitting EOCCs to remain in service despite the presence of clearly formed oil droplets. The rule preserves the requirement to repair or replace an EOCC with clearly formed oil droplets if the unit does not have a UCI. The rule is effective September 30, 2026.

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