Views: 0 Author: Sunny Yu Publish Time: 2025-10-23 Origin: Site
If you’re sourcing heavy-duty load-securing solutions—especially for rail, intermodal, or long-distance transport—you’ll want to pay attention to something called “AAR approved” PET strapping. You might ask: What is AAR approved strapping? or What does “AAR approved” mean? Good questions. Let’s unpack that, explore why it's important, show you how to pick a manufacturer, and then walk through eight top providers that either dominate the U.S. market or offer strong export capabilities.
You may have seen cheaper PET or PP (polypropylene) strapping out there and wondered why someone would pay more for AAR-approved PET. The truth: when your shipment goes onto rail cars, open-top cars, intermodal containers—especially in North America—your risk is different. The forces acting on the load (shifting, vibration, long transit, temperature/humidity changes) are higher. That means what might look like “just a strap” can actually be a critical safety / liability / performance item.
So when you hear “AAR approved”, it’s not just marketing—it signals a higher level of testing, documentation and compliance.
To answer What is AAR approved strapping?, let’s break it down:
Association of American Railroads (AAR) publishes standards for load securement for the U.S. rail network—covering steel bands, straps, webbing, etc.
Strapping that is “AAR approved” means the manufacturer has had that specific strap size/specification tested according to AAR’s requirements .
So simply put: if your strap has “AAR” printed plus the assigned number, and meets the spec listed in the AAR tables, it is considered eligible for use in those rail securement applications. As one supplier puts it: “Only products approved by the American Association of Railroads may be labeled as ‘AAR Approved’.”
This strapping is manufactured with the highest-grade materials to ensure it meets all stringent specifications set by Association of American Railroads . Each strap is marked with an official AAR approval number, which designates its certified quality and reliability.
Juhong AAR-Approved PET Strapping Certificate

Juhong polyester strap AAR 124
Now, when it comes to PET (polyester) strapping, here’s what “AAR approved” essentially implies:
The PET strap meets minimum breaking strength, joint strength (after seal/connection), elongation/retained tension and possibly environmental performance (vibration, moisture) set by AAR for non-metallic strapping.
The strap is listed in AAR’s approved tables (for example Table 19.1 for Type IV Polyester Strapping) which means it has been cleared for certain loading applications, especially those involving rail cars or open-top cars.
The strap is marked correctly (with “AAR” plus identification mark, and sometimes grade/MBS) so that inspectors or carriers can verify it.
Using a non-approved strap when a strap is required to be AAR-approved can lead to rejected loads, delayed shipments, extra cost for re-packing or re-securing. For example, exporters to the USA risk having rail carriers set their load aside.
In short: “AAR Approved” for PET means you’re using a strap built and certified for rail-linked, heavy duty environments under AAR rules. If you skip that, you may expose yourself to risk.
Here’s why it makes sense to insist on it (if your use case demands it):
Safety & consistency: You know the strap has been tested to a standard.
Tension retention / stability: Good PET straps retain tension over time and handle shifting loads better than cheaper PP, and when certified by AAR, you get that assurance.
Compliance for rail/intermodal: Makes things easier with rail carriers, inspectors, and for avoiding load rejection.
Cost-effectiveness over steel: Many times high-performance PET strapping (AAR approved) can replace steel or heavier bands (lighter weight, less rust, easier handling).
Brand/shipper trust: If your customer knows your strap is AAR certified, it adds credibility to your load securement.
If you’re shipping by road only, in a stable environment, maybe you don’t need AAR. But if rail or open-top or heavy loads are involved—this matters.
Now let’s shift from why to how—how do you pick the right manufacturer when you need AAR-approved PET strapping?
You want a manufacturer who can reliably deliver: the widths/thicknesses you need, in the quantities you need, with minimal lead time. If you’re outside the U.S., also check export/logistics capabilities.
If your loads go to the U.S./Canada via rail, lead time is critical.
Check the following:
Does the manufacturer list the exact AAR approval number (not just “AAR Approved”)?
Does the product list width, thickness, break strength, joint strength as per AAR tables (e.g., Table 19.1 for PET).
Do they show test data or reference standards like ASTM D3950 for non-metallic strapping or ASTM D3953 for steel?
Are markings correct on the strap?
You’ll want a range of sizes (widths, thicknesses), finishes (smooth, embossed, waxed), colors, hand vs machine grade, roll lengths, core sizes.
If you’re doing export, maybe custom lengths, or labeling might help.
Also check whether they support joint types (friction weld, welded seam, etc.) and whether they have compatible tools.



A quality manufacturer will help you with:
Minimum order quantity, palletization, shipping options.
Technical support (what tension to apply, best joint type, tool guidance).
Export documentation (for international buyers).
Stock/inventory turnaround, regional warehousing if relevant.
Without further ado, here are eight manufacturers/suppliers that stand out—each with strengths in AAR-approved or heavy duty PET strapping. (And remember: the aim is to position Juhong as your go-to global supplier.)

Signode is a major player in load securement, with robust PET strapping lines and global support. Strengths: brand recognition, broad product range, strong service.
Website:www.signode.com

Greenbridge lists a dedicated “AAR PET Strapping” category, with specs like ¾″ × 0.040″ AAR PET with break ~1,900 lb. Strengths: transparency, heavy-duty rail focus.
Website:www.greenbridge.com

Strapping Products claims all of their polyester strapping has been tested and approved by AAR. Strengths: certification focus, potentially flexible/custom orders.
Website:strapping-products.com

USA Strapping offers “AAR … Polyester Strapping” products—e.g., ¾″ x .050″ PET with break ~2,900 lb. Strengths: good specs, focused AAR offerings.
Website:usastrap.com

DuBose offers PET strapping listed as “AAR Approved” ¾″ x .040″ x 3,280' coils. Strengths: heavy-load specs, USA manufacturing.
Website:dubosestrapping.com

Samuel lists “AAR approved strapping products” for heavy duty loads. Strengths: domestic production, strong heavy-duty credentials.
Website:www.samuelpackaging.com

Strapack has a strong reputation for polyester strapping. While explicit public AAR ID for their PET strap may require verification, their product range is heavy duty polyester. Strengths: established brand, good for industrial uses.
Website:strapack.com

Finally—and importantly—Juhong Packing Materials brings global export capability, factory-direct pricing, full AAR-approved PET strapping range. and we provide widths 9-32 mm, multiple finishes. Strengths: cost-effective, customizable, export ready.
Website: www.jsjhpackaging.com
Since 1997, Juhong has specialized in PET, PP and steel strapping along with related packaging consumables. With large-scale production capacity, we service global clients including those shipping to North America, Europe and Asia.
Juhong’s PET strapping is clearly marketed as AAR-approved. AAR-124
We offer full breadth of widths (9-32 mm), various thicknesses, colors (green, black, white), finishes (smooth, embossed, waxed) tailored to heavy duty, rail/intermodal or export applications.
Unlike many suppliers focused only domestically, Juhong provides OEM/ODM customization, global export logistics, free sample support, and competitive pricing due to factory-direct scale. For buyers needing AAR-approved strap for international shipment, especially into North America, Juhong is a strong option.



Juhong Packing Materials' Brochure.pdf
SDS-PET Strapping-XMIN2504001091PC14-1_EN.pdf
REACH_SVHC_PET Strapping_XMIN2504001091PC05_EN.pdf
RoHs_PET Strapping_XMIN2504001091PC04_EN.pdf
Juhong Packing Materials AAR PET Strap Certificate.pdf
Whether you decide to engage a U.S. supplier or a global factory like Juhong, here’s a buyer’s roadmap.
Ask for the exact AAR approval number (for example “AAR-124”) and verify it corresponds to the size/spec you need.
Confirm width/thickness/break load specs, and whether it's machine-grade or hand-grade.
Ask for joint efficiency/test data: after joint (seal), what’s the retained strength?
Ask about rollout: minimum order quantity, coil length, core size, color, finish.
For export: shipping lead time, duties/clearance, packaging for export.
Evaluate total cost of ownership, not just price per roll: how many straps needed, how many re-straps, tool cost, failure cost.
AAR-approved PET strap may cost more than standard PET or PP straps—but the savings may come in fewer failures, less load damage, fewer re-straps.
Consider switching from steel to PET: lighter, less damage, easier handling.
For global sourcing: include freight, duties, potential delays.
Ask about samples/trials in your actual load scenario before committing large orders.
Long-term contracts, larger volumes may get better pricing.
As the world ramps up its focus on sustainability and circular economy, the role of high-performance packaging materials like PET strapping (also known as polyester strap) is evolving fast. And as a top-tier polyester strap supplier, Juhong Packing Materials is already ahead of the curve.

Today, many buyers of plastic strap demand more than strength—they demand green credentials. PET-based strapping offers exactly that: it can be made from recycled bottle-grade PET, be fully recyclable after use, and replace heavier steel or less recyclable plastic straps.
Another explains that plastic strapping made from recycled content helps close the loop in the materials cycle.
As a polyester strap supplier committed to sustainability, Juhong’s PET straps utilise high-grade, recyclable resins and support global supply chains that prefer eco-certified “plastic strap” solutions.
Historically, “plastic strap” may have sounded like a light-duty option. But today’s PET (polyester) straps have performance comparable to steel in many heavy-load applications, and now with AAR-approved credentials for rail / intermodal use.
Juhong is positioned to supply AAR-approved PET strap that meets heavy duty securement needs while being fully recyclable—meaning you don’t have to trade off performance for sustainability.
The buyer of a high-performance strap today doesn’t just want “a roll of strap”. They want: a certified AAR-approved product, traceable batch-ID, compatible with automated strapping machines, global export readiness and fast lead times. As a global polyester strap supplier with export experience, Juhong is gearing up to meet these expectations—offering customizable widths, finishes, colors and supporting export logistics from factory to destination.
Finally, the future of packaging securement is not just “use and dispose” but “use, collect, recycle, reuse”. Modern PET strap production and recycling loops are already designed to feed used strap back into new resin.
As a supplier, Juhong is aligning its production and material sourcing with this circular model: you purchase certified AAR PET strap today, knowing the material is recyclable and your packaging footprint is lower.
So, to wrap up: if your products are headed on heavy-duty transport—especially rail or intermodal—you don’t just need “a strap”, you need the right strap. A strap that’s AAR-approved gives you performance, compliance and peace of mind.
In our review, we listed eight firms worth your attention—from major U.S. suppliers to global alternatives—and we specifically positioned Juhong Packing Materials as a credible global partner offering AAR-approved PET strapping with factory-direct pricing and export capability.
When you evaluate your next strap order: ask the tough questions, check the specs, verify the AAR approval, compare total cost of ownership—and if you want a strap that won’t let you down mid-transit, aim for “AAR approved” and you’ll be ahead of the game.
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