RAS will be the first point of contact for railroads and/or lessees to request disposition for bad ordered equipment. Every attempt will be made to correct the defect(s) utilizing regional mobile repair contractors in an effort to minimize out-of-service time. Should more extensive repairs be required, RAS will provide disposition to an appropriate contract repair facility. Immediate notifications will be made to the car owner, lessee, railroad, and contract repair shop.
In the case of railroad damage, the condition of the car will be assessed prior to providing disposition. A Depreciated Value Statement will be prepared and forwarded to the damaging railroad. If it is determined that the car is destroyed, RAS will process an on site settlement with the damaging railroad, and contract to dispose of the remaining scrap. All settlements will be credited back to the car owner in full.
Once the car arrives at the repair shop, RAS will evaluate the estimate of repairs. Only when an estimate is acceptable, will repairs be approved. In the case of railroad damage, RAS will receive a Joint Inspection Certificate as required and will process it for endorsement with the damaging railroad. Estimates for cars requiring extensive repairs will be evaluated against the AAR depreciated value, the car owner's current asset value, and/or other market information deemed appropriate by the car owner. Once repairs are approved, the progress of the car through the repair shop will be monitored on a frequent basis to ensure that the car is returned to service as quickly as possible. Cars requiring extensive repairs may warrant an on-site inspection by RAS. The final invoice will be audited for adherence to the original estimate as well as for mathematical correctness and technical compliance. Repairs that are covered by previously processed Joint Inspection Certificates will be rebilled to the damaging railroad on behalf of the car owner.
