Nurse Tank Transportation Permit Up For Renewal
August 2, 2010 The Department of Transportation (DOT) is requesting certain information for the renewal of Special Permit (SP) 13554, which authorizes the continued use in transportation of nurse tanks without the required manufacturer’s identification plate under certain conditions. For businesses that are registered through the Nurse Tank Inspection Program (NTIP), SP-13554 will expire October 31, 2010.
Businesses that have applied directly to DOT for SP-13554 party status have varying permit expiration dates based on application date, and this notice does not concern your business.
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) will submit an application to DOT for renewal of the special permit on behalf of its members who have registered through the NTIP website. DOT requires that the application for renewal be submitted at least 60 days prior to expiration and contain information on shipping history since the last renewal in 2006. ARA supports TFI’s application for permit renewal so that nurse tanks covered under SP-13554 through the NTIP can remain covered by the permit and in service.
For SP-13554 renewal, DOT requires TFI to report the following information only for nurse tanks shipping under SP-13554:
- For the years 2007 through 2010 (to date) – the approximate number of nurse tank shipments.
- For the same period, have any nurse tanks experienced loss of product? If so how many?
- For the same period, have any nurse tanks been involved in an accident? If so how many?
As such, a certified mail letter has been sent to approximately 368 principal places of business to collect the required information on shipping history. These 368 principal places of business represent the 1,448 locations registered under the NTIP. The letter contains specific instructions for reporting the DOT-required information to TFI for SP-13554 renewal.
DOT has issued a proposal to incorporate SP-13554 into the federal DOT regulations. Once DOT takes final action on the proposal, there will be no future need for any agricultural business to renew SP-13554 or apply for party status. However, final action on that proposal will not be completed prior to the renewal date, making immediate renewal and data collection necessary.
If you have questions, contact Carmen Haworth, ARA staff, at [email protected] or 202-457-0825.
Subscribe Today For
