Trailer Record
Required Fields:
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Record Descriptor Word (RDW): Required, length 4, position 1-4.
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Record Identifier: Required, length 7, position 5-11.
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Total Base Records: Required, length 5, position 12-16.
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Reserved: Applicable, length 5, position 17-21.
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Total of Status Code DF: Applicable, length 5, position 22-26.
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Total Associated Consumer Segments (J1): Required, length 5, position 27-31.
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Total Associated Consumer Segments (J2): Required, length 5, position 32-36.
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Block Count: Required, length 5, position 37-41.
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Total of Status Code DA: Applicable, length 5, position 42-46.
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Reserved: Applicable, length 5, position 47-51.
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Total of Status Code 11: Applicable, length 5, position 52-56.
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Total of Status Code 13: Applicable, length 5, position 57-61.
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Total of Status Code 61: Applicable, length 5, position 62-66.
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Total of Status Code 62: Applicable, length 5, position 67-71.
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Total of Status Code 63: Applicable, length 5, position 72-76.
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Total of Status Code 64: Applicable, length 5, position 77-81.
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Total of Status Code 65: Applicable, length 5, position 82-86.
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Total of Status Code 71: Applicable, length 5, position 87-91.
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Total of Status Code 78: Applicable, length 5, position 92-96.
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Total of Status Code 80: Applicable, length 5, position 97-101.
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Total of Status Code 82: Applicable, length 5, position 102-106.
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Total of Status Code 83: Applicable, length 5, position 107-111.
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Total of Status Code 84: Applicable, length 5, position 112-116.
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Total of Status Code 88: Applicable, length 5, position 117-121.
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Total of Status Code 89: Applicable, length 5, position 122-126.
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Total of Status Code 93: Applicable, length 5, position 127-131.
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Total of Status Code 94: Applicable, length 5, position 132-136.
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Total of Status Code 95: Applicable, length 5, position 137-141.
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Total of Status Code 96: Applicable, length 5, position 142-146.
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Total of Status Code 97: Applicable, length 5, position 147-151.
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Total of ECOA Code Z (All Segments): Applicable, length 5, position 152-156.
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Total Employment Segments: Applicable, length 5, position 157-161.
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Total Original Creditor Segments: Applicable, length 5, position 162-166.
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Total Purchased From/Sold To Segments: Applicable, length 5, position 167-171.
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Total Mortgage Information Segments: Applicable, length 5, position 172-176.
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Total Specialized Payment Information Segments: Applicable, length 5, position 177-181.
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Total Change Segments: Applicable, length 5, position 182-186.
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Total Social Security Numbers (All Segments): Applicable, length 5, position 187-191.
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Total Social Security Numbers (Base Segments): Applicable, length 5, position 192-196.
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Total Social Security Numbers (J1 Segments): Applicable, length 5, position 197-201.
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Total Social Security Numbers (J2 Segments): Applicable, length 5, position 202-206.
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Total Dates of Birth (All Segments): Applicable, length 5, position 207-211.
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Total Dates of Birth (Base Segments): Applicable, length 5, position 212-216.
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Total Dates of Birth (J1 Segments): Applicable, length 5, position 217-221.
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Total Dates of Birth (J2 Segments): Applicable, length 5, position 222-226.
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Total Telephone Numbers (All Segments): Applicable, length 5, position 227-231.
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Reserved: Applicable, length 135, position 232-366.
the numbers for these fields in the Trailer Record are calculated based on data from the base segment and any associated consumer or account segments. The base segment contains the primary account information, and the totals in the Trailer Record reflect aggregated data across various categories, including status codes, segment counts, and demographic information.
For instance:
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Total of Status Code DA through Total of Status Code 97 are aggregates of accounts or segments within those specific status categories across the entire file, including the base segment and any associated segments.
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Total Employment Segments, Total Original Creditor Segments, Total Purchased From/Sold To Segments, etc., represent the counts of these specific types of segments that were included in the file.
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Total Social Security Numbers and Total Dates of Birth reflect the count of these demographic details as reported in all segments, including the base and joint segments (J1, J2).
These totals are crucial for validating the integrity of the data file, ensuring that all reported segments and their corresponding details are accurately accounted for and summarized in the Trailer Record. This facilitates the processing and analysis of the Metro 2 data by credit reporting agencies and other data recipients, ensuring consistency and reliability in credit reporting.
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Total of Status Code DA: This field represents the total count of accounts reported with the status code DA (Deleted Account). It is calculated by summing up all accounts within the file that have been flagged as deleted. This helps in tracking the number of deletions that occurred in the reporting period.
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Reserved: This space is set aside for future use or specific implementations that may require additional data not covered by the current Metro 2 specifications. It is not calculated but reserved for potential future requirements. Its presence ensures flexibility for expanding the data format.
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Total of Status Code 11: Counts the total number of accounts with the status code 11, indicating accounts that are current and in good standing. It is calculated by aggregating all accounts marked with this status code across the file. This status is crucial for assessing the overall creditworthiness reflected in the report.
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Total of Status Code 13: Reflects the total count of accounts with status code 13, signifying paid accounts. It sums up all such accounts to provide insights into the number of accounts settled or closed by payment. This field highlights successful credit resolutions.
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Total of Status Code 61: Represents the total number of accounts marked with status code 61, indicating customers who are paying under a partial payment agreement. It is calculated by totaling all accounts with this designation, showcasing accommodations made for borrowers.
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Total of Status Code 62: Tallies accounts with status code 62, representing accounts in forbearance. The calculation involves summing accounts under forbearance agreements, indicating temporary suspension or reduction of payments.
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Total of Status Code 63: Counts accounts designated with status code 63, which are in deferment. This total reflects the number of accounts for which payments are temporarily postponed under agreed terms.
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Total of Status Code 64: Aggregates accounts with status code 64, showing accounts paid through insurance. It involves counting all accounts settled or being paid via insurance claims, indicating risk mitigation through insurance.
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Total of Status Code 65: Represents the total accounts with status code 65, indicating accounts settled for less than the full balance. It sums up accounts where a creditor agrees to accept a lower amount as full payment, often used in debt settlement processes.
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Total of Status Code 71: Tallies the total number of accounts with status code 71, denoting accounts closed at the consumer's request. It is calculated by summing all such accounts, reflecting consumer-initiated account closures.
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Total of Status Code 78: Counts the total accounts with status code 78, which are accounts subject to garnishment. It aggregates the number of accounts where wages or assets are being garnished due to a judgment.
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Total of Status Code 80: Represents accounts with status code 80, indicating repossessions. This total is calculated by counting all repossessed accounts, signifying creditor seizure of collateral.
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Total of Status Code 82: Tallies accounts with status code 82, signifying accounts transferred to an internal or external collections department. It sums up accounts marked as in collections, reflecting accounts in recovery processes.
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Total of Status Code 83: Counts the total number of accounts with status code 83, indicating accounts charged off to loss. It is calculated by aggregating all accounts written off by the creditor as uncollectible.
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Total of Status Code 84: Represents the total accounts with status code 84, denoting accounts voluntarily surrendered. This total includes accounts where the consumer has voluntarily returned the collateral.
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Total of Status Code 88: Reflects the total number of accounts with status code 88, indicating pre-foreclosure accounts. It sums up accounts in the process leading up to foreclosure, showcasing financial distress.
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Total of Status Code 89: Tallies the total accounts with status code 89, signifying accounts in foreclosure. It involves counting all accounts undergoing the foreclosure process, indicating severe delinquency.
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Total of Status Code 93: Represents the total number of accounts with status code 93, indicating accounts affected by natural or declared disasters. It sums up such accounts, reflecting external impacts on credit obligations.
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Total of Status Code 94: Counts the total accounts with status code 94, which are accounts in a relief situation due to a declared disaster. This total aggregates accounts receiving special considerations due to disaster declarations.
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Total of Status Code 95: Tallies accounts with status code 95, indicating accounts with a government claim or insurance claim pending. It is calculated by summing accounts awaiting claim resolutions, often related to FHA or VA loans.
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Total of Status Code 96: Represents the total number of accounts with status code 96, denoting accounts with a government claim settled for less than the full balance. It sums up such accounts, indicating settled claims on government-backed loans.
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Total of Status Code 97: Counts the total accounts with status code 97, signifying accounts with insurance claims paid. It involves aggregating accounts where insurance claims have been settled, often indicating resolution of protected debts.
Field Records:
1️⃣ File Structure Fields
These fields identify the file and summarize its records.
🔹 Record Descriptor Word (RDW)
• Position: 1–4
• Length: 4
• Calculation:
• Always set to “0426” for character format (fixed length).
• For packed format (366 bytes), use binary representation.
🔹 Record Identifier
• Position: 5–11
• Length: 7
• Value: "TRAILER" (constant value)
• Purpose: Identifies the record as the trailer record.
2️⃣ Total Records
🔹 Total Base Records
• Position: 12–20
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Count the total number of Base Segments (426-byte character format) in the file.
• Each consumer record has one base segment.
• Example: If 470 consumer records exist, set this field to "000000470".
🔹 Block Count
• Position: 57–65
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Total number of blocks of data submitted.
• Blocks vary based on file transmission structure (varies by data furnisher).
• If unsure, consult Metro 2® reporting specifications from your processor.
3️⃣ Status Code Totals
Each total status code field represents the number of accounts reported with that specific Account Status Code.
Status Code Description
11 Current Account
13 Paid or Closed
61 120+ Days Late
62 150+ Days Late
63 180+ Days Late
64 Paid Collection or Charge-Off
65 120+ Days Late (For Mortgages)
71 30–59 Days Late
78 60–89 Days Late
80 90–119 Days Late
82–84 Various Foreclosure Codes
88 Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure
89 Foreclosure Completed
93 Account Assigned to Collections
94 Account Closed by Consumer
95 Account Paid in Full
96 Account Settled for Less than Full Balance
97 Unpaid Balance Reported as Loss
• Position: Varies by code, but each field is 9 characters long.
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Count the number of Base Segments that report each status code.
• Example:
• If 15 accounts are 60–89 days late (Status Code 78), set total_status_code_78 = "000000015".
4️⃣ Deletion Status Codes
These indicate whether accounts were removed.
🔹 Total Status Code DF (Delete Entire Account)
• Position: 30–38
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Count how many accounts have Account Status DF (Account Deleted).
• If no accounts are deleted, use "000000000".
🔹 Total Status Code DA (Delete Account by Data Furnisher)
• Position: 66–74
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Count accounts where the furnisher requests deletion (Account Status DA).
• "000000000" if none.
5️⃣ Associated Consumer & Employment Segments
🔹 Total J1 Segments (Associated Consumer – Same Address)
• Position: 39–47
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Count J1 Segments in the file.
• "000000000" if no J1 segments.
🔹 Total J2 Segments (Associated Consumer – Different Address)
• Position: 48–56
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Count J2 Segments in the file.
• "000000000" if no J2 segments.
🔹 Total Employment Segments (N1)
• Position: 273–281
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Count N1 Segments (employment records).
• "000000000" if no employment data is reported.
6️⃣ Purchased & Sold Account Segments
🔹 Total Original Creditor Segments (K1)
• Position: 282–290
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Count the K1 Segments (Original Creditor Name).
• "000000000" if none.
🔹 Total Purchased From/Sold To Segments (K2)
• Position: 291–299
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Count K2 Segments.
• "000000000" if no purchased/sold accounts.
7️⃣ Mortgage & Payment Information Segments
🔹 Total Mortgage Information Segments (K3)
• Position: 300–308
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Count K3 Segments.
• "000000000" if none.
🔹 Total Specialized Payment Information Segments (K4)
• Position: 309–317
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Count K4 Segments (deferred, balloon payments).
• "000000000" if none.
8️⃣ Consumer Identification Totals
These track personal details across all segments.
🔹 Total Social Security Numbers (All Segments)
• Position: 327–335
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Count total unique SSNs reported.
🔹 Total Dates of Birth (All Segments)
• Position: 363–371
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Count total dates of birth reported.
🔹 Total Telephone Numbers (All Segments)
• Position: 399–407
• Length: 9
• Calculation:
• Count total phone numbers across segments.
🚀 Final Notes:
✔ Each total field must match the actual count in the file.
✔ If a value is 0, use "000000000" (9 zeros).
✔ Ensure all counts align with the number of base records.
✔ Incorrect values may cause the file to be REJECTED by credit bureaus.
Would you like a Python script to automate these calculations? 😃🚀