Canada completely removes DOT-111s from crude-by-rail service

Effective Nov. 1, 2016, persons and organizations importing, handling or transporting crude oil into and within Canada are no longer legally allowed to use the older, less-reliable DOT-111 tank cars, Transport Canada said in a statement.    New regulations in Canada have officially made the use of legacy DOT-111 tank cars illegal for crude-by-rail service, Transport Canada said in a statement.
   Effective Nov. 1, 2016, persons and organizations importing, handling or transporting crude oil into and within Canada are no longer legally allowed to use the older DOT-111 rail cars. The law is part of Protective Direction 38, which accelerated the phasing out of unjacketed DOT-111 tank cars six months ahead of the initial deadline and jacketed DOT-111s 16 months early.
   Legacy DOT-111 tank cars – those built prior to the CPC-1232 standard – are considered to be the least crash resistant tank cars still being used in crude oil service, according to Transport Canada. The DOT-111s will be replaced by newer tank cars like the TC-117, which was designed with several additional safety features, including thicker steel, head shields, thermal protection and top fitting protection.
   Transport Canada said the department’s dangerous goods inspectors will continue to monitor industry compliance with the tank car phase-out as part of its existing inspection program.
   “Rail safety is my number one priority and the phasing out of DOT-111 tank cars is a crucial step towards strengthening our rail safety system by making sure that crude oil no longer travels in the least crash-resistant tank cars,” Minister of Transport Marc Garneau said of the new rules. “My department will ensure that the deadline is respected and will not hesitate to take quick action should any legacy tank cars be found transporting crude oil.”
   Under current Canadian guidelines, DOT-111 cars must be completely phased out for all flammable liquids by April 30, 2025.