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DOT/PHMSA RIN: 2137-AE55 Publication ID: Fall 2011 
Title: Hazardous Materials: Incorporation of Certain Rail Special Permits Into the Hazardous Materials Regulations 
Abstract: This rulemaking would incorporate provisions contained in certain widely used or longstanding special permits for transporting hazardous materials by railroad that have an established safety record. Special permits allow a company or individual to package or ship a hazardous material in a manner that varies from the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180) provided an equivalent level of safety is maintained. Specifically, this rulemaking would authorize an alternative tank car qualification program for DOT specification and non-specification tank cars; acceptance of shipping paper information by voice and electronic data interchange communication; alternative rail car segregation requirements for certain explosives; alternative requirements for tank car designs for certain materials; alternative unloading provisions for coupled tank cars; and use of meters as an alternative way to measure the amount of liquefied gas loaded into a tank car. The revisions are intended to provide wider access to the regulatory flexibility offered in special permits and eliminate the need for numerous renewal requests, thus reducing paperwork burdens and facilitating commerce while maintaining an appropriate level of safety. 
Agency: Department of Transportation(DOT)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 49 CFR 172    49 CFR 173    49 CFR 174    49 CFR 179    49 CFR 180   
Legal Authority: 49 USC 5101 to 5128   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  08/18/2011  76 FR 51324   
NPRM Comment Period End  10/17/2011    
Final Rule  04/00/2012    
Additional Information: HM-216B
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Information URL: www.regulations.gov   Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Eileen Edmonson
Transportation Regulations Specialist
Department of Transportation
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE,
Washington, DC 20590
Phone:202-366-8553
Email: Eileen.Edmonson@dot.gov