Reference #175                            June 17, 1999

TO:		FGIS POLICY BULLETIN BOARD

FROM:		David Orr, Director
		Field Management Division

SUBJECT:	Switching Inspection Procedures for Unit Trains

ORIGINATING OFFICE:   Standards and Procedures Branch


This policy bulletin (memorandum) explains the option to switch 
loading plans during loading of unit trains.

If a unit train begins loading using single car inspection and 
the applicant for inspection requests to change to the CuSum 
inspection plan without a cutoff, it is permissible with the 
following stipulations.  A new log must be recalculated using 
the new agreed upon sublot size (maximum five cars).  Each car 
shall continue to be graded individually, however, it shall be 
considered a sublot component.  The reduced breakpoints under 
the component inspection option shall be utilized.  The 
applicant shall provide a letter as part of the loading history 
requesting the change from single to multiple carrier 
inspection.

Conversely, if an applicant wishes to change from CuSum 
inspection to single lot inspection without a cutoff, it is 
permissible with the following stipulations.  Since individual 
car grades are not known, a representative work/file portion for 
each car must be available to be graded.  The applicant 
surrenders, in writing, a right to future file sample 
reinspections since file samples will no longer be available.  
In all likelihood sufficient representative samples will no 
longer be available; therefore, if it is a domestic lot, probe 
samples of each car must be drawn for grading.  If it is an 
export lot, a cutoff must be taken; the cars dumped; and a new 
mechanical sampler sample of each car be taken.  Probe sampling 
for export is permitted only under certain situations.

Each field office shall immediately notify all Official Agencies 
in their circuit.  This policy is effective beginning with the 
start of the first unit train loaded after notification.

Please contact the local field office or the Standards and 
Procedures Branch at (202)720-0252 for any questions.