U.S. Department of Transportation
Office of Public Affairs
1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E.
Washington, DC 20590
www.dot.gov/briefing-room.html

FMCSA 32-11
Friday, October 7, 2011
Contact: Candice Tolliver
Tel: 202-366-9999 or 202-306-4580

FMCSA Fines American Welding & Tank Company Nearly $4 Million for Violating Federal Hazardous Materials Safety Standards

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced $3,876,000 in fines against American Welding & Tank, LLC (AWT) of Fremont, Ohio for violating federal hazardous materials safety standards. The company was fined for manufacturing and selling unsafe nurse tanks - a type of cargo tank used to store and transport anhydrous ammonia, a hazardous material used in farming operations.

"Safety is our highest priority, and we are committed to protecting motorists from accidents involving the transport of hazardous materials," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "We are sending a strong message that companies will face serious consequences when they do not make safety a top priority."

FMCSA conducted a thorough safety investigation of AWT's Fremont manufacturing plant following reports of safety defects with recently manufactured nurse tanks. After investigating the company's welding practices and safety records, FMCSA discovered a clear pattern of AWT failing to manufacture, maintain, repair and sell nurse tanks that meet federal hazardous materials safety standards.

"When cargo tank manufacturers are not living up to federal safety standards, we will take action," said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. "Our agency is committed to using every resource available to keep our roads safe and save lives."

For more information on federal safety regulations for cargo tank manufacturers, as well as truck and bus companies transporting hazardous materials, visit the agency's website at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.

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