A proposal to outsource regulatory requirements for the manufacture and maintenance of cargo tanks to a pair of professional organizations would impose a costly financial burden on the cargo tank industry, several industry commenters told federal regulators.
In written comments to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, cargo tank motor carriers said the proposal would likely cost carriers up to $650 just to purchase copyrighted professional manuals to keep up with regulatory requirements and changes.
PHMSA’s proposal specifically calls for incorporating the American Society of Mechanical Engineers code for the design and construction of cargo trucks in lieu of the agency’s regulations. Comments were due Monday to the rule, announced in December.
The agency, part of the Transportation Department, is also considering incorporating the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors’ National Board Inspection Code as it applies to the “continuing qualification and maintenance of ASME stamped cargo tanks.”
First announced in December, PHMSA in March extended the public comment on the proposal until through Monday, May 23.
