FMCSA Public Notice Calls for Removal Of 300 Cargo Tanks From Hazmat Service

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
December 17, 2001

FMCSA 18–01
Monday, December 17, 2001
Contact: Dave Longo
Telephone: 202-366-0456

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced that it has identified more than 300 cargo tanks equipped with rear-end protection devices that do not comply with specifications in the federal hazardous materials regulations and required that these tanks be removed from hazardous materials transportation service. The rear-end protection devices in question were designed and certified by Chemical Transportation Equipment Consultants (CTEC), Lubbock, TX, which is no longer in business.

These certified designs were sold to Bulk Truck and Transport in Hanover, IN and Eagle Fabrication and Repair, Oak Harbor, OH. These companies subsequently used the designs to manufacture rear-end protection devices and install them on cargo tanks. The cargo tanks are being prohibited from being used to haul hazardous materials because their rear-end protection devices, built to CTEC’s designs, do not meet minimum regulatory requirements.

These tanks primarily transport anhydrous ammonia, propane and other compressed gases. Failure of the protection devices in a rear impact collision may cause the cargo tanks to leak, which could result in serious injury, death and property damage.

The FMCSA is notifying the owners of these tanks that they are no longer authorized to transport hazardous materials in the tanks unless they are modified to meet federal safety standards. FMCSA also is requesting documentation from the owners of these tanks showing that modifications have brought these cargo tanks into compliance or that the tanks have been removed from hazardous materials service.

The notice is in the December 12 Federal Register. Photos of cargo tanks with rear-end protection devices built to CTEC designs are on the Internet at www.dot.gov/affairs/cargo.htm.