FreightCar America, a railcar manufacturing company, has signed a contract to upgrade over 1,000 tank cars to meet the new U.S. safety standards, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

FreightCar America Upgrades Tank Cars
Photo: Union Pacific

The upgrade involves transitioning the cars from the current DOT-111 standard to the stricter DOT-117R standard.

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This move was prompted by the need to enhance transportation safety following an incident in the spring of 2023, when a Norfolk Southern (NS) train derailed in Ohio, causing a spill of highly toxic chemicals.

The U.S. Department of Transportation insisted on expediting the transition to the new standard.

The modernization work will take two years and will include a series of improvements: new protective jackets for external valves, reinforced fittings on the tops of the tanks, added thermal protection, and upgraded valves.

For FreightCar America, this is their first experience with tank car modernization. All operations will be carried out at their plant in Castanos, Mexico, to which the company previously relocated its production from the U.S.

The history of DOT-117R and DOT-117 standards dates back to 2015. These requirements were developed to enhance safety levels in the transportation of hazardous and flammable liquids.

The implementation of these standards was prompted by a train derailment in Canada in 2013, which resulted in an explosion and fire causing significant damage and loss of life.

FreightCar America’s modernization project underscores the importance of adopting modern safety standards in the rail industry.

It also highlights the growing demand for safe solutions amid increasing risks associated with hazardous cargo transportation.

The Castanos plant is becoming a key center for implementing such projects, affirming its role as a crucial element in the company’s manufacturing plans.

Photo: Union Pacific

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