While not directly about the Q I thought the list subscribers would enjoy
this little bit of news. The AAR is the trade group that represents and sets
the standards for building,maintenance,etc.in the industry. With the
reductions in number of members and the industry in general as well as a push
to depend less on cash inflows from the members the AAR has effective 1/1/01
implemented a new "user" fee. It is a charge of $1.65 for each car in your
fleet whether it is owned by a class one, short line, lessor or
shipper/owner. So if the car is in Umler you will get a bill.While $1.65
doesn't sound like much,multiply by 50 or 100,000 cars and your cost of doing
business just went up.This new fee is in addition to the charges to belong to
the AAR,inspection fees for your shops,etc.
The same push that pulled the carriers stock out of TTX is now affecting the
AAR members.
Oh,by the way private cars(those marked w/an X) are now more than 50% of the
North American fleet.So in a way this new fee seems equitable.
Leo
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