DA Form 5617-R PDF | Daily Statement of Cars on Hand (LRA) – U.S. Army transportation and rail operations personnel rely on accurate daily inventory tracking to keep supply lines moving. DA Form 5617-R, officially titled Daily Statement of Cars on Hand (LRA), is the standard form used for this critical task in military rail yards, stations, and terminals.
Whether you’re a station agent, yard clerk, or rail operations supervisor, this guide explains exactly what the form is, why it matters, how to complete it correctly, and where to get the latest official fillable PDF.
What Is DA Form 5617-R?
DA Form 5617-R is a one-page, locally reproducible (LRA) U.S. Army form dated December 1986. It is prescribed for use in accordance with FM 55-20 (now aligned with current rail doctrine in FM 4-01.41 Army Rail Operations). The proponent agency is the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
The form provides a daily snapshot of all railroad cars (freight cars, flatcars, tank cars, etc.) physically present at a specific station, yard, or siding. It is not a general vehicle form—“cars” here specifically means railcars.
Purpose of the Daily Statement of Cars on Hand
In Army rail operations, timely visibility of rolling stock is essential for:
- Preventing bottlenecks in theater supply distribution
- Supporting expeditionary rail missions
- Enabling accurate car movement planning and empty-car repositioning
- Maintaining accountability for DoD-owned or leased rail equipment
Station agents and yard clerks prepare the form daily (usually at close of business) using data from the car-record book, switch lists, or physical inventory. The completed statement is forwarded to the transportation railway battalion or higher headquarters for consolidation into the daily empty-car situation report and other logistics summaries.
Accurate reporting directly supports combat sustainment and prevents costly delays in rail movement.
Who Uses DA Form 5617-R?
- Transportation Railway Battalions
- Rail Operations Detachments
- Station Agents and Yard Clerks
- Division or Brigade Transportation Officers
- Expeditionary Railway Center personnel (per current ATP 4-14 doctrine)
It remains an active form listed on the official Army Publishing Directorate (APD) site and is still required in rail-heavy logistics environments.
How to Fill Out DA Form 5617-R? (Step-by-Step)
Although the Department of the Army does not publish separate block-by-block instructions, the form is straightforward and follows standard rail-reporting practices. Here’s exactly what to enter:
- Station – Name of the rail yard, terminal, or siding.
- Agent – Printed name and signature of the person preparing the report.
- Page of Pages – Sequential paging if multiple sheets are needed.
- Date – Current date (YYYYMMDD or as specified locally).
- Table Columns (typical layout):
- Initial Number – Railroad car initial and number (e.g., DODX 12345)
- Kind – Type of car (box, flat, gondola, tank, hopper, etc.)
- Date Received at Station – Date the car arrived
- Content – Load status (loaded/empty) and commodity description if loaded
- Consignee For – Destination or purpose (unit, depot, or “empty return”)
- Additional columns may capture delays, repairs, or remarks
Pro Tip: Always reconcile the form against the physical count or automated car-tracking system before submission. Any discrepancies must be noted in the remarks block.
The form is designed to be filled by hand or electronically (fillable PDF version available).
Download Official DA Form 5617-R PDF (Fillable)
Direct official link (U.S. Army Publishing Directorate): Download DA Form 5617-R Here
This is the current, authoritative version. Always use the APD link to ensure you have the latest edition.
Related Army Rail Forms You May Need
- DA Form 5618-R – Conductor’s Wheel Report (LRA)
- DA Form 5619-R – Daily Empty Car Situation Report
- DA Form 5620-R – Daily Installation Situation Report
These forms work together to give commanders complete visibility of the rail network.
Best Practices & Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do perform a physical spot-check when possible—do not rely solely on paperwork.
- Do forward the report daily before the cutoff time established by your battalion.
- Do not combine multiple stations on one form; each location needs its own statement.
- Do use clear, standard railroad abbreviations for car kinds and contents.
- Double-check car numbers—transposition errors can delay critical cargo.
Accurate daily reporting supports faster troop and supply movements and helps avoid demurrage or equipment shortages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is DA Form 5617-R still current in 2026?
A: Yes. It remains listed on armypubs.army.mil and continues to be used in Army rail operations.
Q: Can I fill it out digitally?
A: Yes—the official PDF is fillable. Many units also integrate it into GCSS-A or local rail management systems.
Q: What does “LRA” mean?
A: Local Reproduction Authorized. Units may reproduce the form locally as needed.
Q: Where do I send the completed form?
A: Per local SOP and FM 55-20 / FM 4-01.41 guidance—typically to the transportation railway battalion headquarters.
Conclusion: Why DA Form 5617-R Still Matters?
In an era of multi-domain operations and contested logistics, reliable rail movement remains a force multiplier. DA Form 5617-R ensures U.S. Army rail assets are visible, accountable, and ready to support the warfighter every single day.
Get your copy today:
Official DA Form 5617-R PDF Download
Need help with other rail or transportation forms? Check the Army Publishing Directorate or your unit’s transportation SOP for the latest guidance.