RAC supports improvements to tank car standards

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) today welcomed the accelerated phase-out of older, less crash-resistant models of tank cars used to transport crude oil and condensates – a highly volatile flammable liquid – by rail. Transport Minister Marc Garneau issued Protective Direction 39 today in Ottawa.

Protective Direction 39 will phase out non-jacketed – without a thermal layer of protection – CPC-1232 tank cars for crude oil service on Nov. 1, 2018, 17 months early. In addition, non-jacketed CPC-1232 and DOT-111 tank cars will be prohibited from transporting condensates on Jan .1, 2019, more than six years ahead of schedule.

“Phasing out these tank cars ahead of schedule will enhance rail safety in Canada,” said RAC President and CEO Marc Brazeau. “Dangerous goods are part of our way of life and the railway industry continues to work with the government to further improve the transportation of these essential commodities across the country.”

RAC has long advocated for more robust tank car standards including thicker steel and full-height head shields to protect the car from puncturing, among other safety features. These requirements were reflected in Transport Canada’s TC-117 tank car standard, introduced in May 2015.

Rail customers and leasing companies own the vast majority of tank cars in service in North America, and are responsible for updating and retrofitting their tank car fleets. Railways have a common carrier obligation to reasonably accommodate all customers who wish to move their products, including dangerous goods, to market on Canada’s rail network.

-30-

Contact:

Michael Gullo
Communications
(613)564-8101
mgullo@railcan.ca

About the Railway Association of Canada

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) represents more than 50 freight and passenger railway companies that move more than 84 million passengers and $280 billion worth of goods in Canada each year. The RAC advocates on behalf of its members and associate members to ensure that the rail sector remains globally competitive, sustainable and, most importantly, safe. Learn more at railcandev.wpengine.com. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.