Reporting Markings found on the left side of rail cars provides information about identifying the rail car and capacities in weight.

Specification Markings found on the right side of rail cars provides information about the car approving authority, specification class number, safety features, test pressures, and construction design and features.

Specification Plates found on the A end right bolster (B end left bolster) provide information about tank car characteristics such as builder, tank specification, shell materials, insulation, date of construction.

Capacity Stenciling found on the sides and ends of tank cars provide information in gallons/liters or pounds/kilograms.