The Loading Authority OT-57 system provides a centralized process for the registration of private freight rail equipment. It enables private equipment owners, lessees, and shippers to create Loading Authority OT-57 fleets and enables railroads to view contact and storage location information. These processes were created in support of the Association of American Railroads' OT-57 Circular.
The controlling entity (railcar owner or lessee), or their agents, is responsible for registering and routing equipment within the Loading Authority OT-57 system, as outlined in the OT-57 Circular. In the context of Loading Authority, the controlling entity is defined as the party the railroad should contact if disposition information is required. To be considered a valid fleet, each fleet must have a primary contact and a designated storage location. If a railroad requires disposition information, and it is not provided by final notice, controlling entities may be subject to action governed by railroad tariffs, publications, and policies.
For more details, refer to the OT-57 Circular available on the Loading Authority product page on Railinc's official website.