The defect codes (if accurate) as reported on this thread are serious. That isn't typically something that sets off a wayside detector, but is something that a "qualified mechanical inspector" [carman] might see during an initial terminal air brake test, normally good for 500 or 1,000 miles, depending on whether the train is designated 'extended haul'.

I would bet they were never supposed to get switched into that train, that they were B/O'd at the initial terminal and that someone did not communicate this. Are they furnished with AEI tags or 800000 car numbers? That helps when classifying the car, assigning car handling instructions and also when UMLER reporting is being done, which makes defect reporting faster and more accurate.

If these cars are equipped with non-rotating end cap/field lube roller bearings, they will probably cause 'integrity failure' at most bearing detectors. If in doubt, and inexperienced, the handling crew might take the safe course and unnecessarily set the cars out enroute. I seriously doubt the train crew would know what to look for in regard to center and side sill damages, if that really is the case. This reeks of someone trying to recover from an earlier car handling instruction failure.

Let's go back to the alleged defect codes: (center and side sills). If I had to bet, these cars are old. There is probably considerable rot where the side sheets meet the side sills, caused by years of rain water/snow melt leaking past the window frames and settling on the top of the side sill between the outside skin (side sheet) and the interior wall. Side sills are integral structural components.

Center sill defects are often caused by derailments and wrecks. However, Amtrak 'heritage' cars, or other high mileage cars, often see cracking radiating lengthwise where the body bolster and the center sill meets. These weld repairs must be done carefully by highly skilled labor.

None of the defects I comment on are quickly repaired, and the repair work is best done in a qualified shop facility. Best of luck to you, hopefully a waiver and rear-end only move can be granted.