TM 55-2200-001-12
Change 2
APPENDIX T
TEST LOADINGS AND TEST SHIPMENTS
(The following information is extracted from AR 55-355 Military Traffic Management Regulations.)
T-1. Test Loadings and Test Shipments.
Purpose and Scope. This paragraph contains procedures concerning test shipments and test loadings when such tests
are required by the military service owning the material, carrier associations, and/or federal regulatory bodies. These
tests are conducted to determine the adequacy of shipping containers, packages, loading arrangements, or securement
provided by blocking, bracing, and tiedown methods on carrier equipment and not specifically provided for in carriers'
classifications, tariffs, loading rules or other authoritative publications. These are transportation tests conducted to
develop new or revised loading figures, rules, and packaging specifications. They do not involve research and
development or engineering evaluation tests required in the development of an item of materiel. Transportation impact
tests, when required, may be conducted simultaneously with other forms of testing, provided they are conducted under
the supervision of the test activity, to satisfy requirements of the military service, carrier association or regulatory body
concerned and in accordance with the procedural requirements outlined in appendix D.
T-2. Testing Procedures (Rail Impact Tests.
(Rail impact tests, performed for the purpose of obtaining approval of rail loading methods, will be conducted under the
supervision of a test activity to satisfy requirements of the carrier association or regulatory body concerned and in
accordance with the AAR procedural requirements.
T-3. Prior Approval of Commander MTMCTEA
Military activities desiring to conduct test loadings or test shipments will furnish all pertinent information of the proposed
tests, including the proposed site of the test, tentative dates, specifications, and drawings and/or photographs, through
appropriate channels to the Commander, MTMCTEA, for prior approval, at least 30 days in advance of the tentative
dates of the proposed tests.
T-4. Coordination and Notice
Upon receipt of information regarding a proposed test the Commander, MTMCTEA, will determine the propriety of
conducting the test. If it is considered that the test should be conducted, the Commander, MTMCTEA, will effect
coordination with the Loading Rules Committee of the AAR, other carriers either individually or through their
associations, and interested military agencies to make the necessary arrangements for participation in the test and to
determine who will attend. The Commander, MTMCTEA, will inform all military departments of the details.
T-5. Conclusions and Recommendations
Based upon the conclusions and recommendations resulting from the tests, the Commander, MTMCTEA, will, on behalf
of the sponsor of the test, negotiate with the AAR for formulation of new or revised loading rules and regulations to reflect
the loading requirements developed by the tests.
T-6. Proposed Changes to Loading Rules
Proposed changes, exceptions or additions to existing loading rules, plans and specifications will be sent to the
Commander, MTMCTEA, for coordination with all military departments.
T-1
