U.S. Department of Transportation
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm

EDITORS AND CORRESPONDENTS

"Tank Check '97," the first national cargo tank performance review conducted by the Federal Highway Administration, identified a variety of cargo tank safety problems last month.

Examples of problem areas that stood out were leaking tanks, inoperative remote shut-off devices, and a combination of rust, corrosion or cracking.

More than 2,100 cargo tanks at 230 locations throughout the country were inspected in the 2-day May exercise.

Results will be closely analyzed to identify and deal with any patterns of safety defects. Up to 60 cargo tank facility compliance reviews could result to verify the validity of the test or inspection methods.

Further information is available from Bill Quade of the Office of Motor Carriers (202-366-0476).

Sincerely yours,

George L. Reagle
Associate Administrator for Motor Carriers