Regulatory Relief for End of Car Cushioning Units

Topic: Safety; Freight; Penalties; Railroad Safety; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

Agency: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

Action: Final Rule

Information: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/31/2026-17782/regulatory-relief-for-end-of-car-cushioning-units

Title: Regulatory Relief for End of Car Cushioning Units

Published Date: August 31, 2026

Dates: This rule is effective September 30, 2026

Summary: This rule amends freight car draft arrangement and end-of-car cushioning unit (EOCC) regulations to make permanent relief currently provided by waiver. The amendments will 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. This change will permit such EOCCs to remain in service despite the presence of clearly formed oil droplets on the unit. The amendments preserve the requirement to repair or replace an EOCC with clearly formed oil droplets if the unit does not have a UCI.

Staff Advisor: Taria Barron, General Counsel, tbarron@apta.com