Railcar Technical Services Association Mission Statement

Our organization is presently dedicated to its mission to provide a value added forum for sharing railcar customer maintenance needs through new technology, practical experience and best practices with the purpose to improve profitable industry share.

The objective of Railcar Technical Services Association (previously MARTS, and until 1999 was known as the Car Department Officers Association), is to bring together individuals interested in freight car maintenance matters, for the advancement of knowledge pertaining to safe, economical operation of rail and transit cars; and to exchange ideas, discuss problems, promote uniformity and generally effect safety and economics in rail car construction, maintenance and operation; and also make constructive recommendations to the association of American Railroads.

In recent years, Railcar Technical Services Association has evolved rapidly and is presently the only non-profit organization of it’s kind which is dedicated to the freight car repair professional.

Our Organization is presently dedicated to its mission to provide a value added forum for sharing railcar maintenance educational needs through knowledge of new technology, practical experience and best practices with the purpose to improve profitable rail industry share.

Our History

The Railcar Technical Services Association’s original parent organization was founded in 1901 as the Chief Interchange Car Inspectors’ and Car Foremen’s Association. the scope of activities broadened through the years and in 1926 the name changed to Railway Car Department Officers’ Association. In 1928 it merged with The Southwest Master Car Builders’ and Supervisors’ Association and adopted this name, but eliminate the word “Southwest”. In accordance with the wishes of the AAR Mechanical Department Officers’ Association.

The first annual meetings of 1901 to 1904 were held in Cleveland, Ohio. In the years following up to 1930, meetings were held in Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Richmond, Indianapolis, Detroit, St. Louis, Montreal and often in Chicago. No meetings were held in 1917 and 1918 due to World War I. No meeting was held in 1921 or the depression years of 1931 through 1936 or in 1954. World War II caused cancellation of meetings 1942 through 1945. The annual meeting in September 1937 marked resurgence of the Association after the lapse of six depression years, and annual meetings have continued to this day.