Extend the Service Life of Qualified Railcars

Rail Industry Specialist, Inc. (RIS) provides consulting and project management services for railcar owners seeking Increased Life Status (ILS) approval through the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

For qualified railcars, an ILS program can extend the useful service life of existing equipment beyond its original service-life limit—helping owners maximize the value of proven rail assets while potentially avoiding or delaying the significant capital cost of replacement equipment.

Complete ILS Program Management

RIS coordinates the Increased Life Status process from initial railcar evaluation through engineering, inspection, refurbishment, documentation, and submission for AAR approval.

Our services can include:

  • Initial railcar and fleet evaluation
  • Candidate selection and condition assessment
  • Engineering coordination
  • Structural inspection and evaluation
  • Development of required repair and upgrade programs
  • Coordination with qualified railcar repair facilities
  • Project management and quality oversight
  • Required testing and technical documentation
  • Coordination of AAR submission and approval requirements
  • UMLER updates and program documentation, as applicable

Maximizing the Value of Existing Rail Assets

Not every aging railcar needs to be replaced. When equipment is structurally sound and suitable for an Increased Life Status program, refurbishment and life extension can provide an economical alternative to purchasing new equipment.

RIS evaluates the railcar, its intended application, condition, and required upgrades to develop a practical path toward extended service.

Proven Rail Industry Experience

RIS has extensive experience managing railcar refurbishment, reconfiguration, modernization, and extended-service programs for railroads, railcar owners, leasing companies, and industrial customers.

Our approach brings together engineering, repair facilities, component suppliers, inspection, documentation, and project management under one coordinated program.


Extend the Life of Your Railcar Fleet


If you have railcars approaching their service-life limit, RIS can help determine whether they may be candidates for an AAR Increased Life Status program.

Talk to RIS about your railcar fleet.
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