Design violations sideline certain MC331 cargo tanks

Jan. 1, 2002
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has identified more than 300 cargo tanks equipped with rear-end protection devices that do not

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 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. FMCSA is requiring the tanks (many of them bobtails in propane delivery service) be removed from hazmat 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, according to FMCSA.

These certified designs were sold to Bulk Truck and Transport in Hanover IN, and Eagle Fabrication and Repair, Oak Harbor OH. Both companies accepted the designs in good faith, according to FMCSA. These companies subsequently used the designs to manufacture rear-end protection devices and install them on cargo tanks, not knowing that the devices did not meet the requirements.

The vehicles are primarily used to 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, according to FMCSA.

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.

The FMCSA Midwest Service Center will identify the cargo tanks based on sales records or other documents from the manufacturers and provide a copy of the Federal Register notice to each owner via certified mail, return receipt requested. For more information, contact Joe DeLorenzo, 708-283-3572, Midwest Service Center, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 19900 Governors Dr, Suite 210, Olympia Fields IL 60461. Photographs of the vehicles can he found on the DOT web site at www.dot.gov/affairs/cargo.

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