News Release

ACC and CI Support Effort to Improve Safety of Chemical Shipments by Rail

ARLINGTON, VA (January 12, 2009) –  The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the Chlorine Institute (CI) are pleased that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a rule to improve the crash-worthiness of railroad tank cars used to transport certain hazardous materials such as chlorine and ammonia. 

“Rail hazmat transportation safety is a primary focus for our members and our transportation partners,” said Cal Dooley, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council.  “Together, we have invested billions of dollars in training, systems, technology and tank car safety, and we will continue to do so.”

Because chemicals – including those classified as hazardous – are essential in making the products that make modern life possible, Congress wisely established a comprehensive, national hazardous material transportation system administered by DOT. 

“Shipping these critical materials by rail is one of the safest modes of transportation and this new rule will make it even safer,” said Art Dungan, President of the Chlorine Institute (CI).  “The new tank cars that will be required under the rule are a result of a collaborative effort between the federal government, shippers, carriers and other stakeholders to improve upon an already impressive safety record.”

The chemicals shipped by rail are used to produce life saving medications and medical devices, body armor used by our military and law enforcement officers, crop protection for farmers, deicing fluids for airplanes, energy saving solar panels, and so much more.  For these reasons, the goal of the nation’s transportation system is to ensure that chemicals and other hazardous materials are delivered safely and reliably.

The rule will require railcars carrying these materials to have better puncture resistance with a combination of thicker inner shells where the hazmat is held and/or thicker outer jackets, depending on the specific hazmat being transported.  In addition, each end of the tank car is to be protected with a full head shield where not already mandated by existing regulations and strengthened valves, top fittings and nozzles used to load and unload the tank car are required to prevent a release in a rollover accident.

“Chemical companies own or lease the tank cars in which they ship these critical materials,” said Dooley.  ”The willingness of our members to support new investments in safety is a hallmark of our members’ commitment to continuous safety and performance improvement.” 

This rule increases the safety of existing rail hazmat tank car designs and will be in effect until current on-going research underway at DOT allows for even further advancements in tank car safety.  Going forward, ACC and CI members remain committed to working with DOT as it strives to further increase the safety of these rail cars.

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