Metro 2 Trailer Record
The Trailer Record concludes each Metro 2 file, providing summary information and validation counts for the entire submission.
Overview
The Trailer Record is the final record in every Metro 2 credit file submission. It contains critical summary information that allows credit bureaus to validate the completeness and accuracy of the file. The Trailer Record must be exactly 426 characters in length and follows a fixed-width format, matching the length of the Base Segment.
Every Metro 2 file must contain exactly one Trailer Record as the last record in the file. This record provides totals for various record types and segments, enabling verification that all data was transmitted correctly and completely.
Trailer Record Structure
| Field | Position | Length | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Block Descriptor | 1-4 | 4 | Alphanumeric | Must be "TRLR" |
| Total Base Segments | 5-13 | 9 | Numeric | Count of all Base Segments in file |
| Total Status Code Segments | 14-22 | 9 | Numeric | Count of status code changes |
| Total Consumer Segments | 23-31 | 9 | Numeric | Count of all consumer changes |
| Total Account Numbers | 32-40 | 9 | Numeric | Count of account number changes |
| Total J1 Segments | 41-49 | 9 | Numeric | Count of all J1 Segments |
| Total J2 Segments | 50-58 | 9 | Numeric | Count of all J2 Segments |
Note: The Trailer Record contains additional fields for a total length of 426 characters. All numeric fields must be right-justified and zero-filled.
Key Components
Block Descriptor
The first four characters must always be "TRLR" to identify this as the Trailer Record. This field is required and must be in uppercase letters.
Base Segment Count
This field contains the total count of Base Segments included in the file. This number is critical for validation and must match the actual number of Base Segments transmitted. The count should not include the Header or Trailer Record themselves.
Status Code and Update Counts
These fields track the number of status code changes, consumer information updates, and account number modifications. These counts help credit bureaus validate that all update segments were received correctly.
J1 and J2 Segment Counts
The Trailer Record includes counts for J1 (ECOA) and J2 (additional consumer information) segments. These optional segments provide supplementary data, and their counts help ensure complete transmission.
K Segment Counts
Similar to J segments, the Trailer Record tracks K1, K2, K3, and K4 segments which contain specialized original creditor and purchased account information. Accurate counts are essential for file integrity verification.
File Validation
The Trailer Record serves as the primary mechanism for validating Metro 2 file completeness. Credit bureaus use the counts in the Trailer Record to verify that:
- •All Base Segments transmitted were received and processed
- •The correct number of supplementary segments (J1, J2, K1-K4) accompany the Base Segments
- •All update indicators and status changes are accounted for
- •The file structure is intact and no data was lost during transmission
If the counts in the Trailer Record do not match the actual segments in the file, the submission will be rejected, and you'll need to correct and resubmit the file.
Important Notes
- •The Trailer Record must be exactly 426 characters in length
- •Every Metro 2 file must have exactly one Trailer Record as the last record
- •All numeric count fields must be right-justified and zero-filled
- •The Block Descriptor must be "TRLR" in positions 1-4
- •Counts must accurately reflect the number of segments in the file
- •The Trailer Record count fields do not include the Header or Trailer Record itself
Best Practices
Validate Counts Before Submission
Always verify that your Trailer Record counts match the actual number of segments in your file before submitting. Automated validation tools can help catch discrepancies.
Implement Automated Counting
Use automated systems to count segments as you build your Metro 2 file. This reduces manual errors and ensures accuracy in the Trailer Record.
Test File Integrity
Before production submission, test your Metro 2 files with validation tools to ensure the Trailer Record accurately reflects file contents and all segments are properly formatted.
Handle File Generation Carefully
Ensure your file generation process adds the Trailer Record only after all other records are complete. This prevents count mismatches if the process is interrupted.
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