Canadian Minister of Transport Marc Garneau has issued Protective Direction 38, accelerating the phasing out of DOT-111 tank cars for crude oil service to November 1, 2016, instead of the previous dates of May 1, 2017, for non-jacketed cars and March 1, 2018, for jacketed cars. DOT-111 tank cars must be completely phased out for all flammable liquids by April 30, 2025.
"Accelerating the phase out of legacy DOT-111 tank cars in crude oil services is another crucial step in improving the safety of communities along our railway lines,” stated Minister Garneau. “By removing the least crash resistant tank cars in service, we continue to modernize how dangerous goods are shipped in Canada and further protect Canadians and their families who live near Canada's rail network."
Legacy DOT-111 tank cars are considered the least crash resistant tank cars used in transporting crude oil by rail. They will be replaced by tank cars such as the TC-117, which is designed with several additional safety features, including thicker steel, head shields, thermal protection and top fitting protection.
Protective Direction 38 is available on the Transport Canada website.