The primary trade association that lobbies and advocates on behalf of Class 1 freight railroads and Amtrak in North America. Founded in 1934, AAR describes itself as the world’s leading railroad policy, research, standard setting, and technology organization that focuses on the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry. Affiliates and associates include non-Class I and commuter railroads, rail supply companies, engineering firms, signal and communications firms, and rail car owners.