Cordstrap Receives AAR Approval for Square Tube Shipments on Rail Cars

Cordstrap USA has achieved another important milestone in advancing safe, non-metallic load securement solutions across North America. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has officially approved Cordstrap Cordlash® 200 and Cordlash® 750 for use in securing square tubing on open-top railcars — marking another major step forward in rail cargo safety and innovation.

A Safer, Smarter Solution for Square Tube Shipments

Square tubing is widely used in construction and manufacturing applications such as pillars, roof joists, fencing, posts, and railings. Until recently, these products could only be shipped using steel banding, a method that carries significant safety risks for both cargo and loading personnel.

In December 2021, the AAR Open Top Loading Rules Committee (OTLRC) released Figures 154-A and 154-B, formally allowing Cordlash 200 and Cordlash 750 to replace steel banding for these shipments on bulkhead flatcars.

This approval offers shippers a safer, more efficient, and less labor-intensive securement method that reduces the amount of lumber required per load — resulting in both cost and environmental benefits.

(Learn more about the dangers of steel banding and why non-metallic alternatives are the safer choice.)

To find out more about the AAR Approval for Square Tube shipments on Rail Cars or about Cordstrap’s other AAR approved applications, contact a member of the team.