February 11, 1998

Potentially dangerous design flaws in 49 cargo tanks manufactured by Petro Steel of Mitchell, South Dakota, have led the Federal Highway Administration to issue a public notice declaring them not authorized for hazardous materials transport until they are modified.

During a compliance review, it was discovered that rollover protection devices and rear-end protection devices on the tanks did not meet the specifications in the Hazardous Materials Regulations. Therefore, they cannot be used to carry hazardous materials that require a specification cargo tank.

Failure of the devices in a collision could result in serious injury, death, and property damage.

Further information is available in the February 11 Federal Register (PDF format) or from Bill Quade of the Office of Motor Carriers, 202-366-476.

Sincerely yours,

George L. Reagle
Associate Administrator for Motor Carriers